What the Brian Hoyer signing means for the Patriots
This is Hoyer's third stint in New England.
COMMENTARYBrian Hoyer will reportedly sign a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Patriots. Hoyer was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday to make room for the Colts’ signing of Philip Rivers to a one-year deal. This will mark the third stint for Hoyer with the Patriots, who was drafted by the team in 2009, signed back with them in 2017, and was released at the conclusion of training camp in 2019 after losing out to then-rookie QB Jarrett Stidham for the backup quarterback position behind Tom Brady.Sunday’s signing of Hoyer, who will be entering his 12th NFL season, bolsters the team’s depth at its most critical position, and will provide an important veteran presence for Stidham to rely on for advice as he looks to establish himself as the heir apparent to Brady as the quarterback of the Patriots. The addition of Hoyer brings New England’s depth chart at the quarterback position to three, as Hoyer joins Stidham and fourth-year quarterback Cody Kessler in the Patriots’ quarterback room.Bringing Hoyer back into the fold provides short-term stability at the position, whether that be as a veteran backup to mentor Stidham or as a player who is capable of handling starting reps if Stidham falters in his second year. Like last season, Hoyer will serve as added competition for Stidham in training camp; Stidham earned positive reviews from his teammates during his rookie season with the team and appears likely to be given every opportunity to win the starting quarterback job heading. Still, Stidham has a long ways to go to prove to the team that he is capable of even being a starting quarterback in the NFL, and being New England’s long-term answer at the position.The move to sign Hoyer, and not a higher-profile free agent quarterback like Andy Dalton or Jameis Winston, could be a vote of confidence in Stidham, whom the Patriots drafted in the fourth round of last year’s draft. Stidham beat out Hoyer once before in training camp last summer, and with a full season of NFL experience serving as the backup to Brady, Stidham should be even better equipped to beat out Hoyer this season, with the stakes being higher with the starting job up for grabs this time.As a veteran backup, Hoyer can help Stidham become more comfortable in the Patriots’ offense with his own expert knowledge of the New England offense, and help Stidham continue to learn how to read opposing NFL defenses.With three quarterbacks on the roster now, and cap space for the team very tight, New England will likely stay pat at the position heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. It is still possible that the team selects a quarterback to provide more competition in training camp, if a player they value falls to them. Until Stidham, or another quarterback, establishes himself as the clear answer at the position, expect Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio to keep digging, in hopes of turning up another hidden gem.Keep in mind, Stidham has thrown just four passes in the NFL, and one of those passes was returned for a pick-6 in Week 3 against the New York Jets. For all the positive signs he may be showing the team in practice, he is still a question mark for this team until he shows he can produce when the games really count. While his arm talent is impressive, there are apparent ball security issues (two lost fumbles and one interception in four preseason games) that need to be ironed out. Sunday’s move provides depth and stability at a position that has been thrown into upheaval after Brady’s exit, and should push New England’s promising second-year signal caller to reach for new heights, as they look for their next franchise quarterback.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com