Josh Dobbs Reflects on His Journey and Future with the San Francisco 49ers

Josh Dobbs, the seasoned quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has always been known for his resilience, but this season, his patience and perseverance have been put to the test. With the 49ers battling through injuries and quarterback rotations, Dobbs has found himself in a complex position as a backup player. Heading into the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, Dobbs’ future remains uncertain. His performance in this game could significantly impact his prospects for next season, as he looks to prove that he is ready for a starting role in the NFL.

A Non-Committal Answer to His Future

When asked about his desire to return to the 49ers for the 2025 season, Dobbs remained non-committal. “Free agency will be free agency, so we’ll let that handle itself,” Dobbs said when asked about his plans for next season. This answer, though not surprising, reflects the uncertainty surrounding his future in San Francisco. Having signed with the 49ers in March with the expectation of being Brock Purdy’s backup, Dobbs has found himself relegated to the third-string role behind rookie Brandon Allen, after a surprising decision by head coach Kyle Shanahan in early September. Despite the setback, Dobbs’ journey continues, and Sunday’s game against the Cardinals could very well determine the next chapter in his career.

The Importance of Sunday’s Final Game

Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals (7-10) may seem like a game with little at stake, but for Dobbs, it represents a crucial opportunity to showcase his skills and secure his future. Dobbs will be stepping in as the starting quarterback in place of Brock Purdy, who is sidelined due to an elbow injury. However, this isn’t because Dobbs has overtaken Allen on the depth chart. Coach Shanahan cited the 49ers’ banged-up offensive line as the reason for giving Dobbs the nod, as he is more mobile than Allen, who has struggled in that area.

For Dobbs, this game represents more than just playing for the 49ers; it’s an audition for the entire NFL. As he heads into free agency in March, he is acutely aware of the significance of his performance. “Any time you get a chance to get on the field and play it’s always an audition,” Dobbs said. “Not only for the team that you’re on, but for the other 31 teams, especially knowing my contract situation and being a free agent in March.” With everything on the line, Dobbs will be looking to prove that he can be a reliable starting quarterback once again.

A Journey Filled with Challenges and Growth

Dobbs’ path to this point has been far from conventional. After playing for eight teams in his NFL career, he seemed to have found some stability with the 49ers. Last season, he made 12 starts with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, completing 62.8% of his passes and accounting for 19 touchdowns. His success earned him an NFC Offensive Player of the Week award, and he even ranked fifth among quarterbacks in rushing yards (416).

However, his time with the 49ers has been a stark contrast. Signed in part to continue his development in a Shanahan-led offense, Dobbs has received limited practice reps as the third-string quarterback. “I’ve learned a lot about patience,” Dobbs shared. “I’ve said it before I got my first opportunity to play that the league taught me a ton about patience. And just perseverance and mental toughness through it all because my first time not starting was when I got to the NFL.”

Despite being sidelined, Dobbs has remained professional and ready for whatever opportunities arise. In training camp, he expressed surprise that Shanahan had selected Allen over him as the backup quarterback, especially after Dobbs had performed slightly better during the preseason. Dobbs had a higher passer rating than Allen (84.7 vs. 81.8) and added 28 yards on six carries with two touchdowns. However, Shanahan’s decision was made, and Dobbs knew he had to remain professional. “Even if you don’t agree with it, you still have to go out and be ready to play,” he said. “Feelings aside, there’s the professionalism of work and preparation… It’s not ideal for me, honestly, but I’m going to prepare the same way I prepare and be ready to go when my number’s called.”

Setting Himself Up for a Future Opportunity

Now, as Dobbs gets his chance to start in Week 18, he is focused on showcasing his abilities for the future. “Hopefully, you’re setting yourself up to be a starter and be a guy that some organization can rely on week-in and week-out,” Dobbs said. His ultimate goal remains clear: to prove he is capable of being a consistent and reliable starting quarterback in the NFL. Whether that future lies with the 49ers or with another team, Dobbs is determined to make the most of every opportunity, ensuring that his journey is far from over.

As he steps into this final game of the season, Dobbs knows that the spotlight is on him. It may be a meaningless game in terms of playoff positioning, but for Josh Dobbs, Sunday’s performance could be the key to securing his future in the NFL. With a combination of experience, perseverance, and professional growth, Dobbs is hoping to prove that he has what it takes to start in this league and contribute to a team’s success in the seasons to come.