Brian Hoyer Would Be Perfect Backup to Usher in Jarrett Stidham Era in New England

With Tom Brady bolting for big money in Tampa Bay, the Patriots are left wondering who will be under center at Gillette Stadium when the 2020 campaign gets underway. While some rumors linked the team to a reuinion with Colts backup Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots may opt to pursue an even more familiar Indy gunslinger who just hit the open market.

Following the reports that the Colts were releasing Brian Hoyer, the veteran was immediately connected to the Patriots, with whom he acted as a backup to Brady in the past.

Source: The #Colts are releasing QB Brian Hoyer, and he’s now a free agent. The former #Patriots backup on the move.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2020

While Hoyer is certainly not starting quarterback material, there would hardly be a player better suited to usher in a potential Jarrett Stidham era for the Patriots. That is, if Bill Belichick chooses to make the former Auburn signal-caller the starter at any point in 2020, which is far from guaranteed.

Hoyer started his career in New England, having joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009. He spent three seasons with the Patriots before bouncing around among a variety of teams, including brief stints as a starter in Cleveland, Houston and Chicago. He eventually returned to New England for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

It’s worth keeping an eye on Brian Hoyer today. The Colts owe him a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year (tomorrow), so they might have a decision to make. If the Colts cut Hoyer, he could return to the Patriots in a backup role.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 21, 2020

The Patriots are believed to be high on Stidham despite his lack of experience in the NFL to this point. If they do decide to roll the dice with the 23-year-old QB in 2020, bringing in a veteran like Hoyer who is familiar with Belichick's system would be a great move.