Brian Hoyer: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent QB

At times, it seemed as though quarterback Brian Hoyer would earn a multiyear contract after the 2014 NFL season.

A late-season slump, followed by losing his starting job, hurt his chances. However, the Houston Texans announced they have landed the veteran quarterback.

Continue for updates.

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Hoyer Signs With Texans

Wednesday, March 11

The Texans announced they have signed Hoyer.

Adam Caplan of ESPN broke the news that Hoyer was expected to sign a two-year deal in Houston worth $10.5 million, with $4.75 million in guaranteed money.

On March 10, Caplan and Adam Schefter reported that Hoyer would join the Texans sometime in the next 24 hours. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, a source confirmed he was visiting and said, "If it's a good visit we'll move forward. If not we'll go visit the next place."  

Per Pro Football Talk, Hoyer's agent, Joe Linta, said it wasn't a done deal yet. 

On March 9, Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 in Washington D.C. reported that "QB Brian Hoyer is going to be a Houston Texan."

"Hoyer plans to sign a multiyear deal with the Texans, likely three years, I'm told. They plan to have Hoyer and [Ryan] Mallett," added Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Citing a source, ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli noted that the Texans and Mallett also "agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal that will pay the quarterback $1.75 million in guaranteed money."

On March 7, Marc Sessler of NFL.com passed along a report from NFL Media's Jeff Darlington saying the Texans were zeroing in on Hoyer, and either he or Mallett was expected to start the season under center.

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Jets Among Multiple Teams Interested in Hoyer

Monday, March 9

Although it was reported Hoyer would be heading to the Texans, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer tweeted, "Hoyer's camp is still expecting another call from the Jets this morning."

On March 8, Josina Anderson of ESPN reported on the market for Hoyer, saying the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers have expressed interest in the signal-caller. Anderson noted the Texans and Jets are in play because they give him the best opportunity to start.

On March 4, Pro Football Talk reported that Hoyer could be an option for the Vikings following the team's decision to trade Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills. As PFT tweeted, "Hoyer played for Norv Turner in Cleveland in 2013."

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Hoyer Discusses Playing Elsewhere in 2015

Thursday, March 5

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

ESPN.com's Pat McManamon had Hoyer's thoughts on returning to Cleveland following the team's acquisition of Josh McCown: "Obviously them signing Josh made it clear that I wasn't going to be back, so it's best to go our separate ways. Being from here and getting a chance to play here, it will always have a special place in my heart."

After the Browns signed McCown, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer stated Hoyer is expected to sign elsewhere: "[McCown's] signing also effectively spells the end of Hoyer in Cleveland, and McCown appreciates the loyalty Hoyer has from Browns fans. Hoyer will likely sign with another team soon after he becomes a free agent March 10."

McCown had nothing but respect for Hoyer, saying, "Whatever happens with Brian, I wish him well, but I certainly understand the loyalty to a hometown guy who's done the things that he's done and had a role in last year."

McCown, 35, played 11 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014. He threw for 2,206 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He previously played with Chicago, Carolina, Oakland and Arizona.

Hoyer, 29, played 14 games with the Browns last season while battling first-round pick Johnny Manziel for the role as starter. He threw for 3,326 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He previously played with the Cardinals and Patriots.