The Detroit Lions have Jared Goff as their starting quarterback, and thankfully, since he joined the team in 2021, he hasn't missed any time. However, despite Goff's 82 straight regular-season starts, you never know when injuries can pop up, especially when the 31-year-old signal-caller won't be getting any younger.
In other words, entering the 2026 season with the right QB2 will be crucial for Detroit.
The Lions saw Kyle Allen sign with the Buffalo Bills early in free agency, which led them to sign Teddy Bridgewater on March 10. Although Bridgewater is on the team, the QB2 search shouldn't be over, which is why general manager Brad Holmes should be interested in a quarterback who could hit the open market next.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the New England Patriots are set to release quarterback Joshua Dobbs. If they know what's good for them, the Lions should make it a priority to bring Dobbs in — especially when they already have a connection to him.
Drew Petzing Can Help Lions Lure Joshua Dobbs to Detroit
With just Goff and Bridgewater currently in the quarterback room, the Lions must make a push to land Dobbs. Especially since he has a connection with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
The pair first crossed paths in 2022 when Petzing was the Cleveland Browns' quarterbacks coach, which lasted seven months until Dobbs was released upon Deshaun Watson's return. They reunited during the following year when Petzing was hired as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator, leading to Dobbs starting in all eight of his appearances.
While Dobbs has been a backup for most of his career, he has been asked to step in on several occasions. In 27 career games (15 starts), Dobbs was 351-of-559 (62.8%) for 3,346 yards, 17 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He can also use his legs if needed, logging 515 rushing yards and eight rushing scores on 110 carries.
The idea of Dobbs joining Detroit's QB room has to be enticing and would only make this unit better. Both Goff and Bridgewater are pocket quarterbacks, and adding Dobbs would give this unit another dynamic if someone were to go down.
Bridgewater is set to turn 34 years old in November. He hasn't been asked to take meaningful snaps since the 2022 season with the Miami Dolphins. During his two seasons with the Lions (2023-2024), Bridgewater was a savvy veteran, but he was just asked to hold the clipboard.
He could still have that role in 2026, but the Lions' adding Dobbs would push him to a QB3 role, which seems more fitting for him at this point in his career. In a perfect world, the Lions won't have to see a QB2 take a snap for the sixth straight season, but you have to prepare.
And with Dobbs set to hit the market, the Lions should pounce.
Their QB room isn't complete yet, and signing Dobbs would raise the floor of that position. The Lions would have three QBs who have started in the NFL, and with Dobbs' history with Petzing, it makes a potential addition that much more fitting.