Ex-Patriot in middle of Mac Jones-Bill Belichick drama signs elsewhere
Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer has found a new home, signing a two-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to his agent, Joe Linta. It came as a bit of a surprise when the Patriots elected to release Hoyer last month. Hoyer’s salary was guaranteed, and the move actually wound up costing […]
Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer has found a new home, signing a two-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to his agent, Joe Linta.
It came as a bit of a surprise when the Patriots elected to release Hoyer last month. Hoyer’s salary was guaranteed, and the move actually wound up costing the Patriots cap space.
NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran added important context to the move, however.
“Look, Brian Hoyer’s not here anymore,” Curran said on WEEI’s "Jones and Mego with Arcand" program. “And Brian Hoyer was guaranteed 1.4 of his two-million-dollar contract. Patriots released him, made it clear that, ‘We’re moving on because of your head.’ He had been cleared (to play) for a long time. He anticipated coming back.
“Brian Hoyer was not sold on what was going on last year. And … I think he let that be known that Mac (Jones) was up against it on a weekly basis. And I think that’s a large portion of why Hoyer’s not here. The Patriots would tell you otherwise, but they’re paying him 1.4 million dollars to not play here and not be part of the system. Even through training camp and release him in August, when you could use him for this offseason. ‘Nope, thanks, we’re all set with you.’ I think it’s interesting.”
Multiple sources confirmed a strained relationship between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones. It is surprising that Hoyer, who had three stints with the Patriots, got roped into it, however. The 37-year-old is currently slated to back up another former Patriots backup QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, in Las Vegas.
The Patriots currently have two quarterbacks, Jones and Bailey Zappe, on their 90-man roster.
Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
