Free-Agent QB Brian Hoyer Signs One-Year Deal With Bears

Free-agent quarterback Brian Hoyer has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, the team announced shortly after the end of the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday. Financials have not yet been specified.

Hoyer, 30, appeared to have remained as quarterback for the Houston Texans last season before the team signed Brock Osweiler in free agency. The Texans eventually released Hoyer on April 17.

“When he’s played, he’s been productive,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said of Hoyer.

Hoyer played in 11 games for Houston last season, in which he completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 2,606 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was benched in Week 1 despite winning a quarterback battle with Ryan Mallett, who was then traded to the Baltimore Ravens last season, in both training camp and the preseason.

Before the Texans, Hoyer played for the Cleveland Browns for two seasons, during which he threw 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 17 games. Prior to his stint with the Browns, he played one season for the Arizona Cardinals and three seasons with the New England Patriots. Hoyer was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009 after playing collegiately at Michigan State.

Although Hoyer looked like a much-improved quarterback with the Texans, it was not enough to give the team any confidence in him being a reliable starter going forward.

Nevertheless, Houston believes it still has strong players in place with DeAndre Hopkins as receiver, as well as several defensive standouts like J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing. 

Many predicted Hoyer would find a new team soon. Although he’s not going to be a franchise quarterback, he likely accomplished enough with the Texans to give coaches and offensive coordinators some belief in his potential to be an asset with enough left in the tank. With the Bears, he will now serve as backup for Jay Cutler. Second-year quarterbacks Matt Blanchard and David Fales are also on the roster, but lack sufficient experience. It remains unclear whether Hoyer was unable to find a team willing to give him a chance at a starting job.

Before signing with the Bears, Hoyer had visited with both the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos.

PHOTO: HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #7 of the Houston Texans looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)