Brian Hoyer has been Tom Brady’s primary backup since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Hoyer has played admirably when counted on, completing 27 of 43 for 286 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception and the general consensus around the league seems to be that he could start or at least compete for a starting job elsewhere in the league.
The Patriots tendered Hoyer at a 2nd round level this offseason, but he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after next season. There is some speculation that the Patriots could try to trade Hoyer this offseason and it was fueled further by the Boston Globe’s Jeff Rowe’s report today. It would make a lot of sense for the Patriots to move Hoyer.
They could easily lose him for nothing next offseason and 2011 3rd round pick Ryan Mallett could be ready to be Brady’s primary backup. Brady is expected to play 3 or 4 more years, which would make Hoyer around 30 years old when Brady retires, so he can’t really be considered a quarterback of the future. That title is probably better assigned to Mallett, who is still just 23 years old, if anyone.
The biggest question if the Patriots decide to move him would be who would trade for him. Most teams have their quarterback competitions pretty settled at this point. Perhaps former Patriots GM Scott Pioli and the Chiefs could be interested. I would still put the likelihood for the Patriots moving Hoyer at less than 10% at best. He’ll likely remain as a backup this year and get his shot next offseason.
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