Longtime veteran backup quarterback Brian Hoyer has reportedly been released from the New England Patriots, according to The Wire, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It was an expected move for the Patriots heading into the new league year. Hoyer has served as a reliable backup for the team off and on over the years. He even got the nod to start over rookie Bailey Zappe when Mac Jones went down with an ankle injury early in the season.
But his exit signals the Patriots are ready to move forward with Jones and Zappe as their top-two quarterbacks. They’ll likely reach out and sign another player at some point, or they could take a flier on a late-round draft pick at the position.
The #Patriots released QB Brian Hoyer, per the wire.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
Hoyer, 37, will have to make the choice to either continue playing or calling it quits. One great scenario would be him sticking around in New England and helping coach quarterbacks for the team.
There’s clearly a lot more football left to give from Hoyer, even if it’s not on the field.
