Patriots Release Veteran QB Brian Hoyer

Quarterback Brian Hoyer spent eight of his 14-year NFL career with the New England Patriots, primarily as their top back-up option.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer on Thursday, as confirmed by the NFL transaction wire. 

News of Hoyer’s impending release was first reported by Patriots Country in early March. 

Hoyer entered the 2022 season as one of two reserve quarterbacks on the Pats roster along with rookie Bailey Zappe. In the aftermath of starter Mac Jones’ ankle injury, Hoyer was initially named the team’s temporary top signal-caller. Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion after completing only five passes in New England’s Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and spent the remainder of the year on injured reserve.

The 37-year-old began his pro career by signing with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Michigan State in 2009. As such, he spent his first three seasons as backup to starter Tom Brady.

The Patriots released Hoyer prior to the 2012 season, who in turn spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, He eventually signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2013, for whom started 16 games over a two-year period. He continued his NFL tour by agreeing to single-season stints with the Houston Texans (2015), Chicago Bears (2016) and San Francisco 49ers for a half-season in 2017.

Hoyer returned to New England in 2017, after the Pats and Niners completed a trade for the services of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. In his second term with the Patriots, Hoyer earned a Super Bowl ring, while once again assuming back-up duties to Brady. of 2019 Hoyer was once again cut by the Pats in favor of then-rookie Jarrett Stidham in 2019.

Following a one-year stay with the Indianapolis Colts, Hoyer returned to New England in 2020. Hoyer served as the Patriots’ primary backup to Cam Newton, and later to rookie Mac Jones in 2021. Seeing the majority action in late-game scenarios, he played in five games, completing nine of eleven passes for 227 yards and one touchdown. His primary contribution to the team was his role as a mentor for the Patriots’ young starting quarterback.

Though his best days on the field were behind him, his tutelage of Jones gave him value in New England; especially in light of the team’s numerous offensive coaching changes. Hoyer was also outstanding when running the scout team.

Assuming he does not re-sign with New England at some point during the offseason, he will finish his cumulative eight-year Patriots tenure having completed 61 of 92 passes for 729 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

With Hoyer’s release, Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan has reported that the Pats will have to absorb a $1.64 million dead cap charge, while $1.4 million of his 2023 salary was fully guaranteed, as was his $240,000 signing bonus proration. 

Accounting for the responsibilities relating to Hoyer’s salary, Benzan has calculated the Patriots to have $19,379,777 in available cap space. 

Though Jones and Zappe should begin the season as the team’s primary and secondary options at the position respectively, New England is expected to be in the market for a veteran arm in the offseason.

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