The New England Patriots are signing quarterback Brian Hoyer, according to multiple reports. The Indianapolis Colts released him on Saturday, not long after finalizing a deal with free agent quarterback Philip Rivers, who spent his entire career with the Chargers. Rivers is likely to start ahead of Jacoby Brissett, which made Hoyer expendable.
With Tom Brady heading to the Buccaneers in free agency, Hoyer will join a Patriots’ quarterback group, which includes Jarrett Stidham and Cody Kessler. Hoyer will be a third low-cost option for New England, as the veteran agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
BREAKING: The #Patriots have reached agreements with QB Brian Hoyer and former Jets LB Brandon Copeland today. This will be Hoyer's third tour of duty with in New England.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 22, 2020
Compensation update to QB Brian Hoyer reaching agreement with Patriots on a one-year deal, as @globejimmcbride reported. Colts paying him $2 million this year, Pats paying him $1.05 million, per source. Due to offset, Hoyer will make $2 million in guarantees from Pats and Colts.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2020
This will mark Hoyer’s third stint with the Patriots. They signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009. He left the team in 2011, and joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. After bouncing around the league, he served as the team’s backup in 2017 and 2018. Surely, he’ll be in the mix to serve as a starter in 2020. But as a career backup, he’ll likely have to compete for the starting job with Stidham and Kessler.
With the Colts in 2019, Hoyer completed 53.8 percent of his passes for 372 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
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