Brian Hoyer Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding QB's Future with Browns, Other Teams

The quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns has been a topic of conversation all season after the team used a first-round pick on Johnny Manziel. Given how well Brian Hoyer has played as the starter, there are several teams reportedly interested in signing him if he becomes a free agent when his contract expires this offseason.   

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Facebook, the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are two teams reportedly interested:

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Brian Hoyer and Bill O'Brien worked together in past and have an interest in doing same in future, per league sources. Hoyer trusts O'Brien as much as any coach in the league from their time together in New England, per sources, and would welcome a reunion. Titans HC Ken Whisenhunt, who worked with Hoyer in Arizona, also has interest, per sources. Cleveland has been in wait-and-see mode on Hoyer, whose contract expires after this season. Some around the league believe the deal could get done only as soon as the Browns truly are ready to make Hoyer, not Johnny Manziel, their long-term quarterback.

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Hoyer won the starting job over Manziel during training camp and has helped lead Cleveland to a 6-3 record, good enough for first place in the AFC North.

Last month, Hoyer spoke on his desire to start, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group: "I don't think I need to say any more than I'm from Cleveland and this is where I want to be. But I also am a competitor, so I want to be somewhere where I'm playing."

At the time, Cabot also weighed in on Hoyer's future:

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If [the Browns] aren't willing to pay Hoyer starter money -- something like a five-year deal worth $60 million, including a $20 million to $25 million signing bonus -- it'll be clear to him that they're waiting for the right time to turn the team over to Manziel, and he'll likely opt to test the market.

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If Hoyer keeps playing this well, he'll have plenty of suitors in free agency. Texans coach Bill O'Brien, who coached Hoyer in New England and loved him, is one who could become intrigued. And if Kyle Shanahan lands a head coaching gig -- it's possible with the way he has this offense humming -- he could also come calling. 

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The Browns must decide whether they believe Hoyer gives them the best chance to win or if Manziel is the future of the franchise. With elite wide receiver Josh Gordon returning to the team next week after a 10-game suspension, Hoyer’s numbers should continue to climb and his grasp on the starting job should only get tighter.

Add in the possibility of making the postseason, and Cleveland’s decision about whether to re-sign the impending free agent will only get more difficult.

*Stats via NFL.com.

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