Patriots re-signing veteran QB Brian Hoyer

The Patriots are re-signing veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, a source confirmed to the Herald.

Hoyer, 35, returned to New England last season on a 1-year contract. He started his only game appearance, going 15 of 24 for 130 yards and one interception during an October loss at Kansas City. Hoyer was benched in the second half of that game for Jarrett Stidham and ruled inactive for every kickoff the rest of the year.

Hoyer gives the Patriots 88 players on their roster. It’s unclear why the team has opted to re-sign the lifelong journeyman, who will continue his fourth stint in New England.

The Pats drafted Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in the first round of last month’s draft. The rookie is expected to compete with Stidham for the backup job behind Cam Newton, whom coach Bill Belichick named the team’s starter hours after Jones was drafted.

Hoyer returns to New England at the start of Phase 2 of the NFL’s offseason program, when players can take the field with coaches for on-field work at less than full speed. It’s unknown whether the other three quarterbacks are currently available to throw during OTAs.

Over the past three years, Hoyer has appeared in six games for the Patriots and made one start, his only start in a New England uniform. His five relief appearances came during the 2018 season, when he was the only backup behind Tom Brady. In all, Hoyer has played six seasons for the Patriots since originally signing with the franchise as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009.

Over his New England career, Hoyer has completed 62.7% of his passes for 465 yards, one touchdown and two picks. He’s also started games for the Colts, 49ers, Texans, Bears, Cardinals and Browns.

The Boston Globe first reported Hoyer’s return.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3orf36L