49ers Sign Former Cardinals/Vikings Starting QB Josh Dobbs

The 49ers add a capable backup quarterback in case Brock Purdy ever has to miss time.

A new backup has arrived.

The San Francisco 49ers are signing quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year fully guaranteed deal for $2.25 million, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with veteran QB Josh Dobbs, per his agent @MikeMcCartney7.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2024

Dobbs had stints both with the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings last year where he was starter for a time. He threw for 2,464 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his 12 combined starts for the two teams.

This is an excellent signing for the 49ers. Dobbs is by no means a starting quarterback, but he has proven that he is a player that a team can survive with. Should Brock Purdy have to miss a limited amount of time, then the 49ers will still be capable of winning games. 

The 49ers were always going to add another quarterback to their team. Re-signing Brandon Allen alone wasn't going to get it done, especially with Sam Darnold leaving for the Vikings. Drafting a quarterback seemed to be the most feasible, and it still is an option, but a polished veteran was always on the table for the 49ers.

Dobbs is a backup who the 49ers can feel comfortable knowing they can get by with him for a few games. The best part of this signing is he came at a great cost. Usually the 49ers have been investing heavily in their backup quarterbacks. Darnold was signed to a nearly $5 million contract last year by the 49ers with the possibility of making double that through playing time.

This time they find a nice backup who won't eat a chunk of money and can keep the 49ers alive for a stretch of games.