The Indianapolis Colts appear to have found their back up quarterback to work behind Jacoby Brissett as veteran Brian Hoyer is expected to sign a three-year deal.
It wasn’t clear what avenue the Colts wanted to explore for finding a backup quarterback, but Hoyer was the best option on the market in terms of established veterans.
Here are four things to know about the Colts’ new quarterback in Hoyer:
Undrafted free agent in 2009
Hoyer originally entered the league in 2009 as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State. He signed with the Patriots where he would stay for three seasons as the backup to Tom Brady. He didn’t see much playing time over those three seasons, playing in just 13 games and attempting 27 passes. Hoyer has bounced around the league since then but got his start with the Patriots.
Journeyman years
After his three-year stint with the Patriots to begin his career, Hoyer bounced around the league somewhat starting in 2012. From 2012–2018, Hoyer played for seven different teams working both as a backup and a starter. He got his most starting time during his two seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2013–2014) and when he was with the Houston Texans (2015). Outside of that. Hoyer has been recognized as a viable backup player to fill in if needed.
Role with the Colts
Following Andrew Luck’s retirement, the Colts had a big hole to fill. Filling in as the starter without question will be Jacoby Brissett. He has been the unquestioned starter without Luck since the team traded for him ahead of the 2017 regular season. Hoyer will be the backup to Brissett in the quarterback room. This will allow Brissett to develop as the starter while getting some help from Hoyer if need be. The Colts are putting their faith in Brissett, but Hoyer was arguably the best backup on the market.
Reported contract
Though the numbers don’t matter all that much to the Colts given how much salary cap space they have, Hoyer will reportedly be joining the Colts on a three-year deal worth $12 million. It has also been reported that Hoyer is getting $9 million guaranteed from the Colts.
