The Houston Texans might replace one former New England Patriots backup quarterback with another.
Brian Hoyer reportedly is a top target for the Texans, per NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington. The signal-caller is an unrestricted free agent, and the Cleveland Browns already have moved on from him after signing Josh McCown.
But Houston also said it has interest in retaining Ryan Mallett, another former Tom Brady backup. The 26-year-old free agent was with Houston last season behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and started two games after Fitzpatrick’s demotion, going 1-1. However, Mallett suffered a torn pectoral muscle on Nov. 23 that ended his season.
It makes sense that the Texans would be interested in both Hoyer and Mallett, as head coach Bill O’Brien worked with them during his tenure in various Patriots coaching positions from 2007 to 2011.
Mallett has expressed interest in a return to Houston, while Hoyer — who went 7-6 with the Browns in 2014 — is looking for a team that could name him starter.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Schwane/USA TODAY Sports Images
