New England Patriots - Was Signing Brian Hoyer Enough for the Patriots to be Successful?

The Tom Brady era has ended for the New England Patriots and the quarterback picture remains a bit unclear. Over the weekend, the team reached an agreement with Brian Hoyer to return for a third stint with the Patriots. Hoyer was just recently cut by the Colts and according to his agent, he chose the Patriots over more lucrative offers because he was promised the chance to compete for the starting job. This would seemingly signify that the Patriots may be done with any significant additions to their quarterback room. If this is the case, have they done enough to still be considered a division and conference contender?

By adding Hoyer, the Patriots now have a veteran with 38 career starts with six different teams. Along with the starting experience, Hoyer is well versed in the Patriots offense which I am sure played a big part in his return to the team. This factor cannot be overlooked with everything happening in the country and the world right now due to the Coronavirus. With all of the shutdowns and social distancing, teams have put a higher value upon players already familiar with their systems and philosophies. Hoyer certainly checks this box for the Patriots and he can also help to mentor Jarrett Stidham who is one of the two other quarterbacks on the roster. Hoyer can help to push Stidham both on and off the field and he also provides insurance in case Stidham is not ready for a starting role.

Stidham is the team’s fourth-round pick in last year’s draft. He is considered to have the physical tools to be a successful starter in the league, but a down final season at Auburn cost him in draft position. He went into his rookie season looked at as more of a project than a future starter in waiting. He had moments in last year’s preseason and even beat out Hoyer for the backup quarterback position. Unfortunately, he is an unknown and nobody outside of maybe the team’s coaching staff may have any idea of whether or not he is ready to be the week 1 starter. The potentially condensed offseason workout regimen will impede his progress and preparation. Having additional options seems like the right choice for the team to make.

The third quarterback on the roster is Cody Kessler. Kessler has been in the league since 2016, but he wasn’t signed by the Patriots until after week 3 last season. He hasn’t started a game since 2018 and only holds 12 starts in his career. He was not considered to be a high-level prospect coming into the league, and he is already on his third team. He could be a candidate to be cut before or after training camp depending on whether or not the team makes more moves. At best, Kessler is probably backup quarterback insurance in case there is an injury or Hoyer requests a trade or to be cut if he does not win the starting job.

Whether or not the Patriots have done enough is a question yet to be answered. In all likelihood, they will either sign another quarterback if someone such as Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, or Cam Newton can be brought in for a favorable price. If they do not go this route, they will probably draft another quarterback to help push Jarrett Stidham and/or Brian Hoyer. Chances are, we will not know for sure if Hoyer was the only move to make to help fill Tom Brady’s shoes until after the upcoming draft in April.

The quarterbacks they have on their roster now have a combined win-loss record of 18-32. This despite Stidham not having a start. Any optimism with Stidham should be tempered with the mere fact of him being a second-year quarterback with no meaningful snaps in the league. If Hoyer was the only move, we will have to see what the coaching of Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels can do and if coaching is better than pure talent and readiness.