Brian Hoyer looking more likely to re-sign with Cleveland Browns

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The door is opening for Brian Hoyer to re-sign with the Cleveland Browns this coming offseason.

Brian Hoyer is one of the handful of veteran quarterbacks hitting the free agent market this coming offseason, and he is coming off of the best season of his career. He led the Cleveland Browns to being legitimate playoff contenders halfway through the season, but unfortunately the team folded and failed after reality set back in.

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That being said, the Browns are on the right track and seem to be a piece or two away from competing for real — for an entire season — in 2015. Of course, they first need to find a quarterback, which is the hardest thing for a team like the Browns to do.

It isn’t clear whether or not Hoyer wants to be back with the Browns next season, but he’s quickly looking like their best option. Johnny Manziel didn’t look like an NFL quarterback during his two starts, while Hoyer did have some flashes of brilliance this past year.

Cleveland is likely open to bringing Hoyer back as well, especially with the uncertainty of Manziel. They don’t have many other options on the free agent market that would be capable starters that they could target and afford either.

Hoyer finished this past season with 3,326 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The turnover issues picked up later in the year, which are a concern moving forward. That being said, he still led the team well and pulled out some very difficult victories that required clutch drives and big plays.

At 29 years of age, Hoyer still has plenty of potential left in him, as his connection to Tom Brady is always present. Cleveland isn’t likely to look at him as a long-term quarterback option, but they would be happy to bring him back for a year or two while they figure out whether or not Manziel is a franchise quarterback.

The Browns have put together a lot of talent, but every team has to have a quality starting quarterback to win in the NFL these days. Hoyer is a solid game manager, but will need to work on his consistency in order to be a starter in the future. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Browns pursue the option of bringing him back, and whether or not Hoyer is interested if they do.

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