The New York Jets were hoping to add Brian Hoyer before the quarterback signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent Friday, according ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi. Though Hoyer has an outside chance of winning the Browns' starting job, he may have had even better odds on the Jets, a team that is dissatisfied with Mark Sanchez and recently saw David Garrard retire unexpectedly.
Jets wanted to sign Brian Hoyer
The Jets were hard after Brian Hoyer before he signed with the Browns as a free agent.
USA TODAY Sports
Hoyer was thrust into action with the Arizona Cardinals last season, taking over for Ryan Lindley against the Chicago Bears in Week 16 before starting the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. Like the Cards' three other starting quarterbacks in 2012, however, Hoyer struggled. On the season, he went 30-for-53 passing for 330 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Jets may not have anything much better on the roster at the moment, however. Sanchez's struggles are well-documented. His 66.9 quarterback rating was among the worst for a starter in the NFL last year. Rookie Geno Smith will be gunning for the starting job, but he has yet to prove himself as a professional. Greg McElroy and Matt Simms are considered clear-cut backups.
Hoyer may have at least been given a shot in what is considered to be an open quarterback competition. Whether he would have been able to withstand the circus is another question.
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