If there was anyone in Houston not entirely thrilled by the Texans' addition of quarterback Brock Osweiler in NFL free agency, it was probably Brian Hoyer. Hoyer, a veteran journeyman who has now called four franchises home over a seven-year NFL career, was ping ponged in and out of the Texans starting lineup last season as Houston head coach Bill O'Brien tried everything in his power to find the right combination of pieces to get the team's offense to a place where it could, at the very least, provide competent play opposite the stifling Texans defense.
Hoyer, despite the less-than-ideal situation splitting time with Ryan Mallett seemingly at O'Brien's whim, played relatively well and ultimately took full control of the top spot for a playoff-bound Texans team. All told, the 30-year-old Hoyer finished the season with 224 completions for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions.
During the team's single playoff game though, Hoyer suffered a massive meltdown. His four interceptions resulted in a quarterback rating of 15.9 and a tough-to-swallow loss for the Texans.
It also unequivocally proved one thing to O'Brien and the rest of the decision-makers in Houston - Hoyer isn't the guy that's going to lead the Texans deep into the playoffs.
But that doesn't mean Hoyer isn't the right guy to provide veteran insurance for Osweiler. Hoyer is reportedly happy in Houston and though there has been some speculation that Osweiler's signing might push Hoyer to seek a trade, it seems the veteran signal-caller has no desire to leave the team.
Why? He "loves" playing for O'Brien.
Really, it's probably the best situation for player and team that Hoyer remains in Houston. Osweiler is big and talented, but despite having been in the league for four seasons, is a relative unknown, especially as a full-time starter.
Having Hoyer as a ready replacement should Osweiler stumble is not just smart, it's a necessity. And for Hoyer, collecting $4.859 million for another season in Houston backing up Osweiler isn't the worst thing in the world, and may well be preferable to striking out alone on the free agent market again, this time past that age 30 threshold.
