Tag: Josh Dobbs

49ers insider offers intriguing trade idea to add familiar face at RB

A 49ers reporter had a dynamite trade idea:

The San Francisco 49ers may have to get creative to fix some of the holes on their roster left behind by injuries.

One spot they’ve yet to fill is the one vacated by running back Christian McCaffrey when he was placed on Injured Reserve. They may choose not to fill that spot with a running back, but given their depth problem at the position it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them look to improve the quality behind Jordan Mason.

While the free-agent market is always an option, the Athletic’s Matt Barrows offered an intriguing trade idea instead.

Barrows suggested in a mailbag following the 49ers’ Week 2 loss to the Vikings that San Francisco get in touch with the Miami Dolphins and old friend Mike McDaniel. Miami is dealing with another concussion for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and placed him on IR.

Their rosters align well enough that a trade could help both teams.

Via Barrows:

I made this point on X last week, but the 49ers need a reliable running back, and the Miami Dolphins seem to need a quarterback. The Dolphins have an abundance of runners who are in the same offense as San Francisco’s, and the 49ers have two backup quarterbacks who are about equal in the eyes of Shanahan and who could quickly slide into Mike McDaniel’s attack.

Conclusion: Joshua Dobbs for Raheem Mostert. Or maybe Brandon Allen for Jeff Wilson Jr. Who says no?

While the 49ers may not want to part with one of their trio of QBs, there isn’t a better back available in the free agent market than either Mostert or Wilson.

San Francisco knows what both players provide its offense, and they’d be able to deploy them as quality backups to take some of the workload off of Mason. Last season Mostert made his first Pro Bowl and scored a whopping 21 touchdowns. It’s difficult to believe the Dolphins would be willing to give him up for a backup QB in a trade. He’s also dealing with a chest injury that isn’t considered major, but it did hold him out of Miami’s Week 2 matchup with the Bills.

Wilson may be more available, and his hard-nosed running style is a nice complement to Mason. Having a couple of battering rams to throw at defenses would make life extremely difficult for opponents late in games. Wilson has only five carries for the Dolphins so far this season, and he appears to be at least third and possible fourth on the depth chart when Miami’s backfield is fully healthy.

Adding either player would dramatically improve the 49ers’ backfield depth. It would also give San Francisco a player that head coach Kyle Shanahan trusts in his offense. This is absolutely a call the 49ers should be making if they haven’t already.

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49ers make unsurprising decision with backup quarterback

The 49ers backup QB decision has been made.

The San Francisco 49ers have finally named Brock Purdy’s backup.

After a battle that lasted throughout training camp and the preseason, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Brandon Allen will be the No. 2 QB for the 49ers. Josh Dobbs will be the emergency third QB.

Given how the two players looked in camp and the preseason there wasn’t a surefire choice. Both had their ups and downs, and Dobbs managed to work his way into the conversation by quickly picking up the offense and closing the gap between him and Allen, who spent last season with the 49ers.

It’s not a surprise Shanahan went this route with his decision.

If the 49ers don’t have Purdy under center, Shanahan will want to remove as many variables as possible from the offense. Allen can run the offense effectively and deliver throws to the right spots.

Dobbs can do that, but he’s still learning Shanahan’s scheme and his athleticism adds a layer of unknown to his game. He made plays with his legs in the preseason, but he also held onto the ball too long at times and took unnecessary negative plays by trying to extend a play for too long.

It was clear after the preseason that the ceiling was higher with Dobbs, but the floor was higher with Allen. The latter is what matters to the head coach in the event they need to survive a stretch without their starting quarterback.

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49ers may have to get active in trade market with final cuts looming

Don’t be surprised if the 49ers are busy in the trade market.

The San Francisco 49ers may have some work to do to shore up some key areas of their roster.

Final cuts are due at 1:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, and a quick run through of their potential 53-man roster exposes a couple of areas where depth is a real problem for the 49ers. On the other hand, there are a couple spots where they have excess talent and may have to let go of an NFL-caliber player.

Those two things may lead the 49ers to get active in the trade market early in the season.

Let’s start at quarterback where Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen both made strong cases to be the team’s backup signal caller. It’s hard to envision San Francisco letting one of them go since they’d likely get scooped up to another team’s 53-man roster.

Perhaps the 49ers want to keep three QBs. However, reliable QB play is scarce enough in the NFL that one of Dobbs or Allen could fetch a decent return in a trade where San Francisco lets one of them go.

Running back is another position where the 49ers could execute a trade. If Jordan Mason has passed Elijah Mitchell on the depth chart, it doesn’t leave any kind of role for Mitchell since he doesn’t contribute on special teams. In that event, the 49ers could aim to move their 2021 sixth-round pick and roll with Christian McCaffrey, Mason, and rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader since they can both take on special teams roles.

Mitchell has been a good player for the 49ers when he’s been healthy, but availability has been a problem throughout his NFL career. It was a problem again this offseason when he missed a big chunk of camp because of a hamstring injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan trusts him, which may be enough to earn a roster spot, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 49ers try and move him for a draft pick.

Linebacker is the final spot where the 49ers may have a trade chip available. If they keep six LBs on their 53-man roster, it still leaves out one of Dee Winters, Jalen Graham, Curtis Robinson or Tatum Bethune. San Francisco may just try cutting one and getting them to the practice squad, but they could also move one for a late-round draft pick.

We saw them execute a similar move with undrafted rookie Jonas Griffith in 2021. San Francisco dealt Griffith to the Broncos with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Don’t be surprised if that’s the ultimate solution to the 49ers’ glut of LB options.

Moving on from players for late-round picks is nice for next year, but the 49ers may also need to get active in bringing in players.

Their depth at defensive end is rough, and more help there is going to be necessary at some point this season. They’ll likely scour the waiver wire as final cuts start rolling in to see if they can swipe a player without having to trade for one.

They should be on the phone before that though to eliminate other teams from the equation. If they can find a pass rusher that’s going to get cut, and they can trade a late pick for them, they should do so.

At this point of the year that trade isn’t going to land them a Pro Bowler. Their sudden injury issues at DE lower the bar for what they need at the position though. With Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos both working through knee sprains, San Francisco is dangerously thin at DE. Perhaps they love their in-house options, but adding another body or two at the position definitely wouldn’t hurt with a couple weeks to go until the regular season.

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Where 49ers backup QB battle stands after preseason action begins

Here’s where things stand with the #49ers backup QB battle after Week 1 of the preseason.

To hear the San Francisco 49ers television broadcast tell it, there’s nothing more important on offense right now for the 49ers than the backup quarterback battle.

It could be argued that left tackle Trent Williams’ holdout and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s hold-in are bigger deals, but there’s nothing new on either front coming out of San Francisco’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.

There is something new on the backup QB battle. The job appears to be Brandon Allen’s to lose.

Allen started Saturday’s game and completed 7-of-13 throws for 98 yards. Two of his best throws of the night were deep shots to wide receivers Tay Martin and Ronnie Bell, but neither receiver came down with the ball.

His advantage in knowing the offense shined as he worked the pocket and stepped into a couple of good second-level throws in the middle of the field to WRs Chris Conley and Frank Darby. It was a strong showing from the 31-year-old.

Dobbs entered in the second half and didn’t perform poorly, but it was also clear that he’s new in the offense. There were points where he was indecisive, and his accuracy was a little scattered.

All that said, it’s tough to truly evaluate Dobbs because the offensive line didn’t do a great job of giving him time to get comfortable. He never looked like he got in a rhythm which makes it tough for a QB to be consistent.

Dobbs showed off a strong arm when he did get time to set his feet and throw. He also made a good throw on the run on a designed rollout, and flashed his scrambling ability when he scored a six-yard rushing touchdown.

Both Allen and Dobbs could still win the backup job with a little less than three weeks until final cuts. They’ll have a handful of practices and two more preseason games to continue jockeying for position.

Exiting Saturday’s game, however, Allen is the clear frontrunner. Dobbs’ ceiling is probably higher which gives him a chance to eventually overtake Allen. Stability would be the priority for the 49ers if QB Brock Purdy was unavailable for any significant period though, and Allen is the one providing that as of the preseason opener.

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49ers QB stakes claim to backup job with tough rushing TD vs. Titans

Josh Dobbs made an impression on Saturday’s game in Tennessee with a tough rushing touchdown against the Titans.

After Brandon Allen started the San Francisco 49ers preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, new quarterback Josh Dobbs entered the game. Following a quiet start that saw the 49ers fall down 17-7, Dobbs provided a spark in signature fashion.

Following a drive down the field, the former Tennessee Volunteers passer scrambled to the goal line for a rushing touchdown. On his way into the end zone, Dobbs showed off his speed and toughness with a dive into through the goal line through multiple defenders.

Via @NFL on Twitter:

Dobbs is currently in competition with fellow journeyman passer Allen. While Allen has more experience in Kyle Shanahan’s system, Dobbs provides a different element under center with his ability to get outside the tackle box and use his feet to extend plays. Dobbs took advantage on Saturday in Tennessee to show that skill off.

With Brock Purdy firmly in place as San Francisco’s starter and franchise quarterback, Dobbs and Allen will get more opportunities in training camp and the preseason to duel for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

Dobbs finished the game 14-of-20 with 146 yards, an interception and a rushing touchdown. Allen threw for 98 yards on 7-of-13 passing on Saturday.

The 49ers will host their first preseason game of 2024 on Sunday, August 18 against the New Orleans Saints.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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One of 49ers most important offseason position battles is underway

The 49ers have the starting quarterback spot figured out, but what’s happening behind Brock Purdy?

There’s a position battle playing out in 49ers training camp that may fly under the radar, but is extremely important nonetheless.

San Francisco’s backup quarterback position can’t be overlooked given the team’s recent history of needing multiple signal callers in a season. While the 49ers have their starting QB situation hammered out, the backup spot will be a preseason-long battle between Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday in a press conference indicated the pair will split the second-team reps. In Wednesday’s practice it was Allen who got all the second-team reps according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

Via Wagoner on Twitter:

Brandon Allen got the work with the No. 2 offense while Josh Dobbs worked with the third team. Allen hit a couple of nice throws to WR Jauan Jennings but also was nearly intercepted on a check down to RB Jordan Mason late in practice. Dobbs had less success, including an interception on an under thrown deep ball intended for open WR Danny Gray.

It’s not a huge surprise Allen got the first day of second-team reps. He was with the 49ers all of last season and they re-signed him in the offseason knowing he’d have a shot to be the backup.

Dobbs might be a more talented player overall, but San Francisco’s backup will be the player they’re most confident will go in and operate the offense.

It’s still early in camp so we can’t take too much away from Allen over Dobbs on Day 1. The two are close enough contenders that this battle should wind up taking the entirety of the preseason to figure out. Wednesday was just a signal that the battle is underway.

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Josh Dobbs lands with 49ers

Dobbs joins an NFC West rival to back up QB Brock Purdy after starting eight games for the Cardinal in 2023.

Quarterback Josh Dobbs is not one of the Arizona Cardinals’ free agents. They traded him to the Minnesota Vikings before the trade deadline.

He has a new team in 2024.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Dobbs is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, getting a fully guaranteed one-year, $2.25 million contract with up to $750,000 in incentives.

He is lined up to be Brock Purdy’s backup for the 49ers.

Dobbs started the first eight games of the season for the Cardinals last season after they acquired him from the Cleveland Browns before the season. He went 1-7, completing 62.8% of his passes for 1,569 yards, eight touchdown passes and five interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns.

He was traded to Minnesota with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder and then started three games for the Vikings before getting benched for the final four games of the season.

Now he will get to face the Cardinals (although perhaps not playing) twice in 2024.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Former Vikings QB Josh Dobbs signs one-year deal with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year contract

The Minnesota Vikings made a trade at the deadline last year that sparked both life and fun into the season after Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon. That player was quarterback Josh Dobbs, dubbed by some as “The Passtronaut.”

On Monday, Dobbs struck a deal with the San Francisco 49ers for one year and $2.25 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. There is also $750,000 available to Dobbs in playing-time incentives.

It was quite the wild season for Dobbs and the Vikings. He only started four games for the team but will forever live in Vikings lore for his performance off the bench against the Atlanta Falcons, leading a 31-28 comeback victory after only being with the team for five days.

The Vikings signed Sam Darnold this offseason to be the bridge quarterback, and Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall will be competing for a spot on the roster.

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Why 49ers adding QB Josh Dobbs makes sense

Here’s why the #49ers signed another veteran quarterback:

The 49ers are set to sign veteran signal caller Josh Dobbs to a one-year contract. Dobbs’ agent announced the agreement on Twitter Monday afternoon.

Dobbs is the second quarterback the 49ers have signed this offseason. He’ll join Brandon Allen and Brock Purdy in San Francisco’s QB room.

It looked like the 49ers might be content with Allen as their QB2 and a draft pick sitting as the emergency third signal caller. Instead they brought in Dobbs to presumably compete for the backup QB job, leaving Allen to potentially work in as the emergency third QB on game days. That opens the door for a rookie to work out with the practice squad assuming he doesn’t pull a Purdy and beat out one of the veterans for a roster spot out of camp.

Dobbs is an intriguing addition though with plenty of upside. His Cinderella run with the Vikings fell flat after just a couple of weeks, but Dobbs showed during his 12 starts last year with the Cardinals and Vikings that he’s a capable starting QB in the NFL.

There are warts to his game, to be sure. Sometimes he has too much faith in his arm and his accuracy can be erratic, but he’s a mobile QB with enough upside that he’s a viable backup for a team like the 49ers. And backup QB is an extremely important position in San Francisco.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dobbs will earn $2.25 million fully guaranteed with up to $750,000 in playing time incentives.

Purdy made it easy to forget the 49ers’ recent history with injuries under center. His healthy 2023 campaign though will unlikely erase the scars left by all the previous seasons the 49ers saw derailed because of an injury to the starting QB. They may have confidence that Allen can go win a few games if he’s pushed into a starting role, but he’s hardly done enough as a pro to warrant that level of confidence out of camp.

Now instead of competing with a rookie, he’ll be competing with a bonafide NFL QB who’ll either be better or force Allen to earn the all-important QB2 job.

Adding another quarterback didn’t appear to be super high on the 49ers’ list of offseason needs, but they were able to find a third at an affordable price that should ultimately improve their QB room regardless of whether he winds up as QB2 or QB3.

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Projected market value for Vikings’ top free agents

With NFL free agency less than two weeks out, we took a look at the market values for different Minnesota Vikings free agents

Minnesota Vikings fans have heard it over and over again, but it can’t be overstated how important this off-season is for the franchise’s future. One of the first dominoes to fall is the free agency period, and Minnesota has a lot of difficult decisions to make regarding the franchise’s direction.

Will Kirk Cousins and the front office find common ground on a deal? Can the long-term Viking Danielle Hunter stay in purple for another contract? What will it take to keep K.J. Osborn in the fold?

In this exercise, we find a few examples of what their market value is projected to be from experts in the industry.

Market projections courtesy of Spotrac