New England Patriots: Should Brian Hoyer Be Re-Signed?

One of the most overlook matters concerning free agency for the New England Patriots is the situation of backup quarterback Brian Hoyer. Will he be re-signed?

This last season was the final of the Michigan State grad's contract. He made $410,000, officially marking him a member of the 1 perfect.

Also, this season made him a three-year veteran.

The previously undrafted QB has fared very well and made a small splash with his talents in the past, performing exceedingly well in the 2011 preseason. In it, he passed for nearly nearly 300 yards and had a completion percentage just below 60 percent. 

He threw Rob Gronkowsi's record-breaking catch that helped the tight end set the record for TE receiving yards in a season.

It was Hoyer's only pass of the 2011 regular season, and a beauty it was, flying for 22 yards, ending up in the Gronk's arms right by the sideline. It netted him a 118.8 passer rating, even better than Brady's.

I wouldn't judge him solely on that particular statistic, however.

The New England management drafted another quarterback, Ryan Mallett, in the third round of the 2011 draft. Mallett has shown some character concerns in the past, but was the top passer on the Pats' draft board. 

Right now he is seen as Brady's future heir.

Hoyer maintained his No. 2 QB status over Mallett, yet one can't help but wonder if the coaches even think of him as their future starter.

Seeing as he is a fairly respected backup, there may be some demand for him. Teams like the Redskins and the Dolphins will have to trade up in the draft to be able to pick a top quarterback, so they could try to sign a veteran to secure a stable presence under center.

I'd say that he will go to the highest bidder.

Whether or not that will be the Patriots remains to be seen.