Brian Hoyer‘s tenure in Cleveland may not be over. Joe Linta, the quarterback’s agent, told Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal that the Browns recently expressed interest in bringing Hoyer back for 2015. However, the agent clarified that the two sides “never got to the numbers part” of the negotiations.
According to Linta, Hoyer would like to sign with a team where he has an actual shot of being the starting quarterback. Ulrich notes that Hoyer will likely sit down with Browns head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer. If the quarterback likes what he hears, he’ll let his agent start negotiating with the team.
“I think the only thing that would make him not [want to] come back is if they said [Johnny] Manziel or whoever we take in the draft or whoever we sign in free agency is going to be the starter and you will only be the backup,” Linta said. “I think that would probably drive him away a little bit.
“If Pettine said, ‘Hey, it’s going to be an open competition again between you and Johnny,’ great, let’s go. … [Hoyer] wants to play. The kid wants to have an opportunity to compete and play.”
Following an ACL tear that ended his 2013 season, the 29-year-old beat out Manziel for the team’s opening day nod in 2014. Hoyer got off to a great start, helping the Browns to a 6-3 record. However, the quarterback proceeded to thrown eight interceptions and only one touchdown over his next four games, and he was replaced in the lineup by the rookie.
Hoyer finished the season with 3,326 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions – all career highs. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) did not rate the quarterback favorably, as Hoyer ranked as the fifth-worst at his position.