NFL

Hoyer seeking starter's chance in NFL

By Jim Corbett, USA TODAY

CLEVELAND – Brian Hoyer could be in high demand as one of the best free-agent quarterbacks available as the new league year approaches Tuesday.

With Josh McCown secured by the Cleveland Browns and Matt Cassel acquired by Buffalo Bills, Hoyer rises up the chart for a team in search of a veteran quarterback.

McCown agreed to a three-year, $14-million deal last week to become the Browns de facto starter with Johnny Manziel's future uncertain after checking into rehab last month. Cassel will compete with E.J. Manuel following Wednesday's trade to the Bills from the Minnesota Vikings.

Once the Browns reached a deal with McCown, Hoyer had to look elsewhere for the opportunity he seeks after two seasons with the Browns. Teams can begin extending offers Saturday as part of a negotiating window before Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year officially begins.

Hoyer will be in Arizona this weekend participating in former Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner's flag-football charity event.

"In between games Saturday, I'll be checking my phone to see if my agent has talked to anyone," Hoyer said. "It's an exciting time, my first time as a free agent.

"You don't know where you'll be living in two months. The good thing is I'll have an opportunity to be on an NFL team, and hopefully, compete for a starting job. ... I have a lot to offer whatever team I go to. My best football is still ahead."

Hoyer led a bunch of no-name receivers to 7-4 and first place in the AFC North before faltering with eight interceptions and one touchdown, forcing coach Mike Pettine to turn to Manziel, who proved nowhere near ready.

Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) looks to slide as he runs away from the Carolina Panthers’ defense during a Dec. 21 game in Charlotte, N.C.

Center Alex Mack was lost in October with a broken leg. Receiver Josh Gordon returned Nov. 17 after serving a 10-game suspension for a failed drug test but ran wrong routes on several interceptions.

What teams with young quarterbacks should be compelled by is how special Hoyer was to Manziel.

"I texted Johnny when he went into rehab, haven't heard back. But I'm sure when you go into rehab they don't allow you to use your phone," Hoyer said. "It takes a big person to check yourself into rehab. There was no reason for me to have any animosity towards Johnny. He didn't choose to be drafted by Cleveland.

"We got along great. I hope the best for him. He definitely has the talent to have a great career. They don't just hand out the Heisman Trophy to anybody."

Hoyer was 10-6 over two seasons as the only quarterback to post a winning record among 22 Browns starters since the franchise's 1999 rebirth.

"It's good for both sides to get a fresh start and go our separate ways," said Hoyer, who is a Northeast Ohio native. "Being from here, I'll always root for the Browns. I know I'm going to be continuing my football career somewhere."

Hoyer led the Browns to four, fourth-quarter comeback wins last season.

"Brian Hoyer has proven he can win games for you," ESPN Monday Night Football analyst and former NFL coach Jon Gruden said. "I was in Green Bay and we cut Kurt Warner. We didn't think he had a chance. He went to Arena ball. And he's going to the Hall of Fame.

"It's all about the coach, the organization building their team around the quarterback and doing everything they can to make him successful."

Hoyer could get that shot with new New York Jets coach Todd Bowles needing someone to push Geno Smith.

In Tennessee, Hoyer could compete with Zach Mettenberger and be reunited with coach Ken Whisenhunt, who started Hoyer in Arizona's 2012 season finale.

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher wants Sam Bradford as his starter. But needs a dependable veteran with Bradford returning from a second left anterior cruciate ligament tear.

And who knows where new Chicago Bears coach John Fox will turn after refusing to commit to turnover-prone Jay Cutler with Hoyer's ex-Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains there.

Hoyer's former New England Patriots offensive coordinator, Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien has Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract.

Hoyer is better than Mark Sanchez, Shaun Hill, Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder the other free agent quarterbacks on the market.

"I look forward to helping whatever team get better and go to the playoffs," Hoyer said. "If you're in the right situation, believe in yourself, nothing will hold you back."

Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett