Brian Hoyer has interest from Texans, Titans

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer has been solid this season, and his controlled play in Kyle Shanahan’s offense has been a huge reason why the team is sitting in first place in the AFC North and exceeding most people’s expectations. Hoyer doesn’t have the strongest arm and isn’t the most accurate passer, but he’s adequate at worst in both phases of the game and is a very good decision-maker who has thrown just four interceptions. There are still questions as to whether or not he is a true franchise QB or a great stopgap, but I believe is about an average starter in this league whom you can win with. It’s been impressive to watch him average eight yards per attempt despite only having Andrew Hawkins as a top threat (Jordan Cameron has been a disappointment this year, largely due to injuries), and Hoyer definitely isn’t afraid of challenging defenses, which is a quality everyone values.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the two QB-needy teams in the AFC South have interest in acquiring Hoyer, who is on an expiring contract and might not get a good extension from the Browns due to the presence of 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel. Per league sources close to Schefter, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and Hoyer have interest in reuniting from their days together with the New England Patriots, giving O’Brien a second former Tom Brady backup. Ryan Mallett will be making his NFL debut as a starter against the Cleveland Browns today, so there’s still hope that the Texans already have their franchise quarterback.

Schefter also reports that another one of Hoyer’s former coaches, Ken Whisenhunt when he was head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has interest in adding him, as the Tennessee Titans are also looking for a QB. If I were the Titans, I would rather draft a top QB, since they will most likely have a very high pick in this upcoming draft. But if they truly like Hoyer the most, then we could see them swing a deal.

Per Schefter, the Browns are still waiting on whether or not they want to commit to Hoyer, but signing him to a long-term deal means giving up on the high-upside Manziel, whom the team spent a first-round pick on. But if Hoyer proves to be the answer, then it’s obviously much safer to lock him up and try to find a trade partner for Manziel.