Patriots reuniting with Hoyer, will give QB chance to compete for starting job
The New England Patriots have agreed to terms with quarterback Brian Hoyer, who will embark on his third stint with the team, reports Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.
"(If) someone offered him $5 million or $6 million to be a backup, Brian still would've wanted to be back in New England." Hoyer's agent, Joe Linta, told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "They gave him a chance to compete for the starting job, and that's all he asked for."
The Patriots also reportedly struck a deal with former New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland, who started 13 games over the last two years.
Hoyer was released Saturday by the Indianapolis Colts, who officially signed Philip Rivers, which relegated Jacoby Brissett to the backup role. In four appearances last season, Hoyer threw for 372 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 53.8% of his passes.
The 34-year-old will rejoin a quarterbacks room in New England that for the first time in his career won't include Tom Brady. Instead, he'll be surrounded by Jarrett Stidham (a fourth-round pick in 2019) and veteran backup Cody Kessler. New England could look to acquire an established starter or draft a signal-caller in April to compete for the starting job.
Hoyer began his career with the Patriots, making the team in 2009 as an undrafted rookie. He returned in 2017 and stuck on the roster until the 2019 preseason when he was released.
The Michigan State product has appeared in games for seven different teams over his career. He owns a career passer rating of 82.5.