NFL: Patriots get Hoyer as backup for Brady

The New England Patriots reacted to Jimmy Garoppolo’s trade and signed a contract with Brian Hoyer to back up their quarterback Tom Brady. NFL network insider Ian Rapoport reports that Hoyer has been awarded a contract for the next three years.

Hoyer was not released from the San Francisco 49ers until Monday, after they traded Garoppolo from the Patriots for a second round pick in the upcoming draft on Monday. The commitment brings the 32-year-old back to his former home: Hoyer was already in the Patriots team from 2009 to 2011.

According to Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers were also interested in Hoyer’s commitment. The North Olsted, Ohio man is playing his ninth season in the NFL. In the last eight years, the migratory bird has been under contract with seven different teams, but in the long term he has not been able to establish himself as a starting quarterback.

Hoyer started this year’s season in six games for the 49ers, scoring a completion rate of 58 percent, with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Head coach Kyle Shanahan appointed after weak performances of Hoyer C. J. Beathard to the new starter for the Niners.