The Chicago Bears have leaned on an oft-injured Jay Cutler under center for the past few years, but now they have a veteran presence waiting on the bench if needed. The team has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Brian Hoyer, announced Saturday night. The deal is worth $2 million.
Chicago beat out six other teams who expressed interest in the free agent QB, and it may have been the connection between Hoyer and the coaching staff. The veteran played one season under Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains during their time in Houston. Bear GM Ryan Pace pointed to that as one of the key reasons they signed him, saying "I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him."
Hoyer is officially ruled as the backup, as the other two quarterbacks on the roster, David Fales and Matt Blanchard, have yet to see regular-season time.
The newly-signed QB is going into his ninth season in the NFL, and saw his most starting time last season with the Texans. He started 11 regular-season games, recording 2,606 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He did struggle in a playoff loss to the Chiefs, throwing four interceptions.
Hoyer provides a sense of leadership on and off the field for the Bears, and a reliable backup option to turn to, which may be needed with Cutler, who has missed 14 games due to injury since 2011.
Chicago beat out six other teams who expressed interest in the free agent QB, and it may have been the connection between Hoyer and the coaching staff. The veteran played one season under Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains during their time in Houston. Bear GM Ryan Pace pointed to that as one of the key reasons they signed him, saying "I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him."
Hoyer is officially ruled as the backup, as the other two quarterbacks on the roster, David Fales and Matt Blanchard, have yet to see regular-season time.
The newly-signed QB is going into his ninth season in the NFL, and saw his most starting time last season with the Texans. He started 11 regular-season games, recording 2,606 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He did struggle in a playoff loss to the Chiefs, throwing four interceptions.
Hoyer provides a sense of leadership on and off the field for the Bears, and a reliable backup option to turn to, which may be needed with Cutler, who has missed 14 games due to injury since 2011.
