Report: Talks with Browns QB Brian Hoyer could heat up
Contract negotiations between the Browns and surprising quarterback
Brian Hoyer have been idle since early summer, but they
could be renewed if he continues to perform well through October, a source has told ESPN.
Hoyer boasts a 97.6 passer rating, which ranks ninth among NFL quarterbacks with more than two starts. The Browns are averaging 25.7 points a game - not bad considering featured back Ben Tate lost two games to injury, premier wideout Josh Gordon is suspended and Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron has been unproductuve while nursing a shoulder ailment.
The source told ESPN that talks in June did not get "past first base" after agent Joe Linta countered an initial offer with one significantly higher. The Browns drafted highly touted Johnny Manziel with their second first-round pick. Hoyer can become a free agent after this season, but the Browns would likely step up their efforts to sign the hometown product if he continued to shine. He is 82 for 132 for 1,007 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in four games.
"I think it's a mystery to everybody because he hasn't played a lot of games," said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in regard to Hoyer's potential. "He's played four this year, and I think he's gotten better in each game."