The Patriots love Hoyer’s knowledge and work ethic, especially in their system.

There were plenty of options for quarterbacks to bring in, both on the trade market and in free agency. The Patriots opted to go for Hoyer who has spent more than four seasons in New England. He has starter experience (38 starts – including an impressive 10-6 record with the Browns) and comes at the low price of only $1 million.

The main selling point may have been how comfortable he is in the Patriots’ system. Over the last few seasons, Brady has taken fewer and fewer practice reps with the starters for various reasons. Hoyer has been able to fill in during Brady’s absences, and the offense continues to work. Hoyer’s ability may not be the same as Brady’s, but his effort and practice routine is just what the Patriots want.