Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer is likely viewed as the stop-gap starter for the organization’s next potential franchise quarterback, and he showed enough last season to make the Browns believe that he will be a quality replacement-level QB going forward. In a contract year in 2014, it will be interesting to see if Hoyer remains with the team beyond this upcoming season, as he is one of the NFL’s best backups quarterbacks after building on his solid reputation initially developed while with the New England Patriots under Tom Brady. Even though Michael Lombardi was fired a couple of days ago (Lombardi loves Hoyer more than anyone), new GM Ray Farmer also figures to like Hoyer and probably would want to keep him around as at least a backup for a significant amount of time.
The 28-year-old Michigan State product is nearing the end of his recovery from an ACL tear that cut his heart-warming 2013 season short after just three appearances, and Hoyer sounds very upbeat. According to the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram’s Scott Petrak, Hoyer stated that he will be ready to participate in team workouts that start on the 7th of April. It isn’t surprising to hear that he is ready for all offseason activities, especially since Hoyer is a fiercely competitive individual.
Speaking of competitiveness, Hoyer reiterated that he relishes the opportunity to compete against a rookie quarterback, as the Browns will almost certainly draft a QB with the fourth pick in the draft. Hoyer, as he stated, should have the edge going into a position battle due to his experience, but he knows as well as anyone that nothing is even close to being guaranteed. That said, he’s confident, and there’s no doubt that Hoyer has plenty of mental toughness.
The move isn’t the problem, but the timing is more than just alarming.