The New England Patriots have their starting quarterback in second-year signal-caller Mac Jones. However, it never hurts to have a veteran backup who knows the system, so re-signing Brian Hoyer seems like a real no-brainer for Bill Belichick’s team.
Hoyer has reached an agreement on a two-year contract to return to the Patriots, his agent told ESPN. The deal is worth $4 million with $3 million guaranteed and incentives, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots gave QB Brian Hoyer a 2-year, $4 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed and incentives, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
The 36-year-old journeyman quarterback is in the midst of his third stint with New England. After being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, he spent three seasons with the club before bouncing around the league with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers before returning to the Patriots in 2017. After a two-year stint back, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts for a season before returning to New England in 2020 where he’s been playing on one-year contracts ever since.
Hoyer started a bunch of games during his NFL career but he’s pretty much settled into being backup for the past five seasons and, given his familiarity with the Patriots, he seems like an ideal fit for the organization as it tries to build a future around Jones. The fact that his contract is laced with incentives likely kept him in-house rather than looking elsewhere for one more shot at a potential starting gig.
The reaction to the news seems positive overall for the Pats and what it means for Mac Jones.
As others have pointed out, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is a third veteran leader (in some respects, a third player-coach) back in the fold.
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) March 14, 2022
By re-signing quarterback Brian Hoyer, the Patriots did more than just secure Mac Jones' backup. They also kept his 'mentor' in the building. @985TheSportsHub https://t.co/77o4ttFhK2
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) March 14, 2022
If you told 2008 me that Brian Hoyer would be playing in the NFL in 2022 I would have laughed at you. Good for him! https://t.co/C7QOeni2fa
— Brandon Champion: Low Ego, High Output (@BrandonthaChamp) March 14, 2022
The #Patriots are bringing back QB Brian Hoyer on a two-year deal, as @globejimmcbride reported first. Hoyer never had any intentions of leaving New England. Built a new house here last year, and wants to remain a Patriot until he retires.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 14, 2022
Hoyer saw limited action last season, playing in just five games and throwing for 227 yards and a touchdown. But if the Patriots have their way, that’s exactly what they’re paying him for.
[ESPN]
