Patriots Rumors: QB Brian Hoyer Released, Jarrett Stidham to Back Up Tom Brady
August 31, 2019
The New England Patriots are reportedly set to release quarterback Brian Hoyer ahead of Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to finalize their 53-man roster for the 2019 season. The move will leave Jarrett Stidham as the backup to three-time NFL MVP Tom Brady.
Adam Caplan of SiriusXM reported the update.
Hoyer started his NFL career by signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009.
The 33-year-old Michigan State product left New England in 2012 and made stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers before returning to the Pats in November 2017.
He's made 23 appearances but no starts across five seasons with the Patriots.
Hoyer played well during the preseason by completing 18 of his 22 attempts (81.8 percent) for 202 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
"The one thing I love about playing here is that everyone is willing to work hard and get better," he told reporters after an exhibition win over the Detroit Lions in Week 1. "From one to 90, whoever it is, everyone has the right attitude. They come out here every day and they are working their butts off out here."
His strong performance wasn't enough to hold off Stidham, 23, a fourth-round draft pick who shined in his preseason debut. He completed 67.8 percent of his 90 throws with four touchdowns and one interception.
The decision won't have much short-term impact if Brady stays healthy, but the Patriots' decision to keep the rookie as Brady's sole backup shows the team's confidence in Stidham.
Meanwhile, Hoyer should have a good chance to land with a new team in a reserve role once the dust settles from Saturday's roster moves.