KEY POINTS

  • Brian Hoyer's experience is seen as the reason behind the Patriots' move to re-sign the veteran
  • Jarret Stidham's job could be on the line if Mac Jones lives up to expectations
  • Hoyer and Stidham may battle for the backup QB position again if Jones folds

The New England Patriots continue to figure out their quarterback row although Cam Newton has been singled out as the team’s starter this coming NFL season.

Mac Jones has joined the Pats and is expected to provide the former NFL MVP ample backup.

But being a rookie, Bill Belichick knows that a third-string quarterback will be needed.

Newton is a proven commodity, and Jones has yet to get his feet wet in the pro ranks.

Jarret Stidham is still around, but it appears the Patriots want to make sure that no stones are left unturned.

Hence, the re-signing of Brian Hoyer may not come as much of a surprise although it does raise some questions.

Hoyer was re-signed to a one-year deal by the Patriots, meaning he will have his third tenure with New England as announced by his agency on Twitter.

A reason seen behind this is that the 35-year-old has the experience needed if Jones or Stidham wilt for the coming NFL season.

Stidham is in his third year with the Patriots and was constantly jockeying for the backup quarterback job last season.

The junior player got the nod during his rookie season, but Hoyer returned to be the Pats back-up last season.

However, that did not last long with Hoyer not performing well. Stidham ended up being the Patriots No. 2 with the veteran relegated to the sidelines.

There could be something more to the Hoyer re-signing. One person who could be on thin ice is Stidham, meaning the 24-year-old cannot let his guard down.

Like the previous years, the two will need to slug it out for the backup QB position alongside rookie Mac Jones.

Brian Hoyer Chicago Bears
Brian Hoyer will start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears after replacing the injured Jay Cutler on Sept. 19, 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Getty

When he started for the Pats against Kansas City, Hoyer was 15-for-24 for 130 yards with no touchdowns, one interception, and one lost fumble.

In his NFL career, he’s completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 10,404 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions.

Experience is seen as the reason behind the re-signing, one that could get Stidham thinking.

If Jones lives up to his billing as backup, Stidham is seen as the likely odd man out. That depends on what the Patriots management may decide on.

RELATED STORIES
NFL