Josh Dobbs had some options this offseason, but not all NFL teams are created equal. It was crucial for the journeyman quarterback to join an organization with stability in both the coaching staff and the front office.
Stability is essential for Dobbs, who has had to relocate seven times since 2022. The 49ers signed him to a one-year deal. Assuming no further changes to the quarterback room, Dobbs and Brandon Allen will serve as Brock Purdy's backups in 2024.
Despite last season's disappointing end with the Minnesota Vikings, Dobbs was determined to join an organization with a proven track record of competitiveness.
"So when free agency came, the opportunities that were presented—the biggest thing that I wanted, as I said, was to get to a place that has a consistent front office, consistent coaching staff, and does a really good job of QB development, and have an opportunity to go through a full offseason in one scheme," Dobbs told Adam Schefter on the ESPN insider's podcast. "Get in there in April, and even though I'm still learning, and it will be learning a new offense, but it's an offense that's obviously very prominent throughout the league.
"And so to be able to get there in April and be around some tremendous coaches and learn the offense from the bare bones of it, and throw routes on air, and build those interpersonal opportunities with teammates. And then be able to go into the season and whatever the role looks like in the room—obviously, Brock is balling, and what they did, coming up two times short in the Super Bowl the last four years is amazing. But to be a part of that culture, in that franchise, I'm really excited."
Dobbs returns to the NFC West after a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals last year. The Vikings traded for Dobbs following Kirk Cousins' season-ending Achilles injury.
Last season, Dobbs completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 2,464 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 game appearances (12 starts) with the Vikings and Cardinals, per Pro Football Reference. Additionally, he rushed for 421 yards and six touchdowns on 77 carries.
After moving around so much over his career, the veteran quarterback hopes to be able to remain with the 49ers beyond the end of his one-year deal. The 29-year-old would welcome some stability in his career.
Dobbs added, "So that's really where San Fran stood out and why I jumped on that opportunity. So I'm looking forward to it."
Regarding his new teammate, Purdy, Dobbs praised the starting quarterback's efficiency, recalling a game against him while with the Cardinals. Purdy completed 20 of 21 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown in that matchup.
"We played him in Arizona, and that's why I respected him so much," Dobbs noted. "... Now, he does have a great cast, but at the end of the day, he has to be the decision-maker and the driving force of the offense, and the way he makes good decisions, takes care of the football and plays just efficient, clean football. Like, he might not go out there and make the wild play all the time, but he's going to go out there and put his team in a great position to be successful. And that's what you have to do, especially in the [Kyle] Shanahan offense, and then obviously, especially when you have some really good weapons around you.
"And so that's why I've respected seeing how he's been able to quickly do that from the first year, getting thrown into the fire, because I know what that feels like. And then being able to go to the NFC Championship Game, be one injury away from going to the Super Bowl, and then go to the Super Bowl the next year in the midst of, obviously, all the people trying to say he's a game manager, yada, yada, yada."
Dobbs concluded, "At the end of the day, he wins football games and he plays efficient football. That's all you can ask for. So that's what I'm most excited about, just being able to obviously provide my perspective on what I've learned throughout the league and be able to assume whatever role that looks like this upcoming year. But to be around that and that coaching and that type of player and that type of room and that consistency, I think it'd be really good for me, and I'm excited to see what I'll be able to add and help the team with for this upcoming year."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Dobbs below.