Colts release former Patriots QB Brian Hoyer
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Time to add another name to the quarterback market.
Saturday afternoon, the Indianapolis Colts released quarterback Brian Hoyer. The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Colts signed Hoyer to a three-year deal before last season, but he became expendable after the team added Philip Rivers earlier this week. Hoyer was due a $2 million roster bonus on Saturday, which would explain the timing.
As Hoyer enters the open market, the Patriots should be considered a logical landing spot. He’s had two stints in New England. Bill Belichick signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009. He serves as Tom Brady’s backup for three years before being released as a part of final roster cuts in 2012.
Hoyer played for seven teams over the next six years as both a starter and backup before making his way back to New England in 2017 to replace Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s trade to San Francisco led to his release. He served as the backup again for the remainder of 2017 and 2018, before being cut before last season when Jarrett Stidham assumed the backup job.
Often hailed as one of the most cerebral quarterbacks in the game and a scout team guru, Hoyer can still provide value to a team at the age of 34. He’s familiar with the Patriots playbook and how they operate, and could be an invaluable resource to Stidham (or another young quarterback) ascending to the starting role.
All that, plus a likely affordable price tag, make Hoyer and the Patriots a sensible pairing. A third stint in New England would be beneficial for both sides, pending another team offering Hoyer a starting job.
