The San Francisco 49ers recently made headlines by signing quarterback Joshua Dobbs to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million for the 2024 season. This move comes as Dobbs, previously a career backup, became a surprise sensation last season with both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. Despite starting his NFL journey as a backup quarterback, Dobbs quickly became a fan favorite with his unique story and on-field performances.
Joshua Dobbs, a 29-year-old quarterback, started his career with the Arizona Cardinals last season after a late-August trade from the Cleveland Browns. Despite joining the team after training camp, Dobbs quickly established himself as the starting quarterback, completing 62.8% of his passes for 1,569 yards and eight touchdowns in his first eight games. However, his performance was marred by turnovers, and the Cardinals struggled, losing seven of those eight games before Dobbs was benched.
Dobbs’ career took an unexpected turn when he was acquired by the Minnesota Vikings as an emergency backup. In his debut for the Vikings, Dobbs led the team to a thrilling 31-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, followed by another impressive win against the New Orleans Saints. His success on the field, combined with his background as an aerospace engineering major at Tennessee, earned him the nickname “Passtronaut” from a NASA official. Dobbs quickly became a national cult hero, capturing the hearts of football fans across the country.
Despite his early success, Dobbs faced challenges as the season progressed. His effectiveness in the offense declined, leading to his eventual benching by Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. Dobbs’ tenure with the Cardinals and Vikings saw him throw for 2,464 yards in 12 starts, with 17 turnovers and a record of 3-9 in those games. As the season came to a close, Dobbs’ future in the NFL seemed uncertain.
Now, with his new one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, Joshua Dobbs has the opportunity to revitalize his career and prove himself once again in the NFL. As he prepares to take on the role of backup quarterback behind starter Brock Purdy, Dobbs will need to demonstrate his talents and overcome the challenges that have defined his journey thus far. Only time will tell if Dobbs can recapture the magic that made him a fan favorite and a standout player in the league.
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