NFL Rumors: Hoyer Hopes Third Time's A Charm with Pats

The New England Patriots added a quarterback, welcoming back Brian Hoyer for the third time. The 34-year-old may not exactly be the starting quarterback most had in mind but he does carry the experience that could rub off on the younger play-callers on the team.

According to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, Hoyer and the Patriots agreed to a one-year deal recently. For those who may not be aware, Hoyer started his NFL career with the Patriots back in 2009 and stayed until 2011. His second return came during the 2017-18 NFL season before he was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts.

Hoyer spent most of last season playing backup quarterback to Jacoby Brissett. He became expendable when the Colts signed Philip Rivers to be their new starting quarterback. In a previous post, bringing back the undrafted player of the 2009 NFL Draft was something the Pats had planned last year with the team saddled with injuries. Hoyer rejoins his former team, possibly with a bigger task ahead.

The fact that Hoyer is one of the most experienced players on the team could put him in line to be the team's starting quarterback. However, some feel that Jarret Stidham will likely be the team's starting QB with Hoyer backing him up. The 34-year-old will likely do double duty and guide Stidham and possibly Cody Kessler. It remains to be seen if this will help the Patriots this coming NFL season.

With the departure of Tom Brady, most were left with the belief that team owner Robert Kraft would be targeting a big-name quarterback. There are several names to consider in the market such as Cam Newton or Jameis Winston. But it appears that the Patriots are not headed in that direction and go on a rebuilding process instead.

Hoyer could get a chance to show what he can do as a starter for the Patriots. He has done it before and if he responds to Bill Belichick, this could be a golden opportunity for him to shine. At his age, Hoyer is reaching the twilight of his career. But before thinking that far, the veteran play-caller may want to show the Pats and the NFL that he still has plenty left in the tank.