The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of successful quarterbacks with long tenures. Between four-time Super Bowl champion, Terry Bradshaw and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger, it's easy for a backup signal-caller to stay out of the limelight in the 412. An often-forgotten previous member of Pittsburgh's quarterback history is Joshua Dobbs out of the University of Tennessee.
Credit: Jacob Klinger/PennLive.com
Dobbs was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With Roethlisberger in his prime, but at the latter end of his career, Pittsburgh sought out a solid, but inexpensive backup through the draft. Ultimately, Dobbs wasn't in a position to compete for a starting job as Roethlisberger went on to play for another five years. Dobbs learned behind Roethlisberger before a brief tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After Jacksonville, the quarterback continued to bounce around the league. He returned to Pittsburgh, spent time with the Cleveland Browns and most recently, earned his first start with the Tennessee Titans.
Dobbs Made A Name For Himself In Tennesee
The Titans found themselves in a pinch at the end of the 2022 NFL season after starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sidelined with an injury and rookie Malik Willis hadn’t lived up to expectations. With Dobbs available, the Titans took a risk and ended up being pleasantly surprised. Dobbs earned his first start in a Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite losing, 27-13, players, fans, and coaches were impressed with the performance. This earned him another start during a crucial Week 18 game against the Jaguars. The hype was short-lived as the Titans lost and were knocked out of playoff contention.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA Today Network
Steelers Fans Wanted Him Back
As Dobbs gained the media attention he deserved during his brief stint with the Titans, Steelers fans and the media started to like the idea of the quarterback making his third appearance to Pittsburgh. Titans beat writer, Jon Burden spoke on the potential of Dobbs coming back to the Steelers on 93.7 The Fan.
“I think it’s possible. Tomlin likes mobile running quarterbacks, and he played okay when he started the last couple of games here, gave them a chance in the Jacksonville win-or-go-home Saturday night game. It wouldn’t shock me if he wound up back in Pittsburgh.”
Another AFC North Team Snatched Him First
Monday, it was revealed that Dobbs will be making a return to the AFC North, but not with the Steelers. Dobbs will be joining the Browns once again on a one-year deal, his manager announced on Twitter.
Pumped for @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year contract with the @Browns
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 20, 2023
With Deshaun Watson given a controversial and record-breaking contract, the Browns have made it clear that they have their long-term guy at quarterback. However, this is a strong pickup for the Browns as Dobbs has shown that he can be a viable backup. This won't be the first time that Dobbs and Watson have been on the same team, either.
The Browns initially brought Dobbs in during 2022 as a third-string QB behind Watson and Jacoby Brissett. During Watson's suspension, Dobbs took on more reps as the second-string quarterback.
Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon Journal
Was This A Missed Opportunity For The Steelers?
With a young quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and the future still uncertain with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, the Steelers could've used a knowledgeable veteran in the quarterback room. Did they make a mistake not signing Dobbs? Let us know your thoughts below!
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