It’s going to be a crowded quarterback room in New England.
The Patriots are bringing back veteran Brian Hoyer, according to multiple reports, adding yet another quarterback to the roster that already included last year’s starter, Cam Newton, first-round pick Mac Jones and 2019 fourth-rounder Jarrett Stidham.
Entering his 12th year in the league, Hoyer has had three prior stints with the Patriots. He started with them as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and also played for New England in 2017 and 2020.
Hoyer started one game last year, a Week 4 loss to the Chiefs, when Newton had COVID-19. He was inactive the rest of the season.
It’s unlikely Hoyer will play much for the Patriots. But he could be a valuable resource for Jones, the 15th overall pick out of Alabama. His presence also calls into question Stidham’s future in Foxborough.
The Patriots re-signed Newton to a one-year, $5.1 million contract after he threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 12 touchdowns, in 15 games last season.