Quarterback Brian Hoyer was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday in the wake of the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Hoyer was initially part of a package that included San Francisco's second-round pick in 2018.
The #49ers originally included QB Brian Hoyer in the trade to the #Patriots but he was taken out for comp. pick reasons. Now released.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2017
The trade left the New England Patriots with Tom Brady as the only quarterback on the roster. Hoyer entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Patriots in 2009. He spent his first three seasons in New England.
New England requested Hoyer to be removed from the deal. The decision wasn't because it did not want the quarterback. A reunion with Hoyer makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Patriots did not want to risk the potential impact when it comes to compensatory picks. To make it easier on New England, the 49ers simply released Hoyer.
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Tom Pelissero further explained the reasoning during a segment on NFL Network.
"That had to do with the compensatory pick formula," Pelissero said. "If you're on the roster for 10 games, my understanding is you count toward that formula. Hoyer was almost there. Instead, the 49ers release him. Hoyer gets to collect the rest of his $2.59 million salary this year. He's got another $2.95 million fully guaranteed next year. Now Hoyer can double dip. We already know that the Patriots are interested.
"Somebody close to Hoyer told me he's gotten several calls already, but let's be honest, the connection with Hoyer, the Patriots, this situation, it certainly seems like a really good fit."
Hoyer, who was signed at the start of free agency, was the undisputed starting quarterback headed into the regular season. Six games into the season, during a matchup against the Washington Redskins, an ineffective Hoyer was replaced by rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard, who was declared the starter going forward.
Through just over five games this season with the 49ers, Hoyer completed 58-percent of his passes for 1,245 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 74.1.