Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

Brian Hoyer: Weighing Potential Free Agent Destinations

By Nick Dudukovich

facebooktwitterreddit

Now that the Brian Hoyer era is all but over in Cleveland, the free agent will probably be signing with another franchise come March 10.

And where might the Cleveland product wind up? Here’s a look at a few destination spots:

Buffalo Bills: The Bills acquired Matt Cassell just hours after this post was published. Hoyer will not be a member of the Bills. Updated 7 p.m.

Buffalo negotiated with Josh McCown, but it never got serious enough for this other quarterback-hungry franchise to wrestle him away from the Browns.

Buffalo seems like the place Hoyer would want to go. There’s no brash young rookie waiting to take his job, and he’d probably be given the chance to start from day one.

There’s always the chance that new Bills coach Rex Ryan reunites with Mark Sanchez. With no first-round pick, the Bills quarterback situation may be worse than the Browns…and they signed

Odds: Buffalo needs a starter and Hoyer fits the bill. Mark this one down as likely.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa has the No. 1 pick and has already hosted James Winston in its vetting process of the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Never say never, but would Hoyer really put himself into a position to compete for starting reps with another kid who has well-documented character issues?

Odds: Even if the Bucs pass on Winston, the replacement clock will start ticking on Hoyer the second he signs.

Houston Texans: It seems like a perfect match because signing with the Texans reunite Hoyer with former Patriots assistant Bill O’Brien.

But then this broke:

Odds: If Houston resigns Ryan Mallett, that may close the door on Hoyer going to the team that appears to be the most logical fit.

Tennessee Titans: Like, Tampa, the Titans have a high pick and can take one of the top-two rated quarterbacks in the draft.

Or, they could trade the pick (say, to the Browns), which  mean the franchise would need a quarterback. Enter Hoyer.

More from Factory of Sadness

Odds: Why not?

New York Jets: Signing Hoyer would not be the splash the New York media wants, but it’s a possibility, as that franchise tries to solve its own quarterback conundrum.

There’s talk about the Jets finding a way to draft Marcus Mariota, but that might require too many moving parts because it’s unclear if the reigning Heisman winner will be available when the Jets go on the clock.

As for playing in New York, Hoyer knows what it’s like to play with intense pressure, as he witnessed last season playing in the shadow of Johnny Manziel.

Odds: Not so far fetched.

Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr had a good rookie season and should be able to hold onto the starting job. The Raiders will probably cut Matt Schaub, which means they will have a spot on their roster.

But that means Hoyer would be a backup, and it’s obvious from his time in Cleveland that he wants to start.

Odds: Don’t bet on it.

Cleveland Browns: The team’s move has been to sign Josh McCown! There has to be something more. Right?

Farmer reportedly called Hoyer to let him know the franchise was signing McCown, and that they weren’t closing the door on possibly brining him back, too.

But, considering Farmer hasn’t met face-to-face wit the quarterback who won him seven games in 2014, Hoyer would be a long shot to return, and that’s probably being generous!

Where do you see Brian Hoyer playing the 2015 season?

Next: Quick Thoughts: Andre Johnson There To Be Had By The Browns

Home/Cleveland Browns