Browns To Move On From Brian Hoyer, Barring A Playoff Appearence

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cleveland Browns are expected to move on QB Brian Hoyer next year, barring a playoff appearance.

Schefter mentions that if the Browns were to get into the postseason, they could be forced to ramp up their efforts to keep Hoyer.

Clearly, there’s a lot riding on this weekend’s game for Hoyer, but it is surprising that the decision could come down to whether or not he’s able to win a few games down the stretch.

To me, the decision should be focused on whether or not he’s able to be a franchise caliber quarterback for them in the coming years.

Cleveland elected to keep Hoyer in place as their starter for Week 14’s game, even though he was replaced by rookie Johnny Manziel last weekend.

Browns HC Mike Pettine summed up this decision by saying that this move gives them the best opportunity to win on Sunday.

“After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday,” Pettine said.  “This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I’m confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable.”

Hoyer, 29, is in the final year of his two-year, $1.965 million contract that includes $250,000 guaranteed. He’ll make a base salary of $1 million for the 2014 season.

Over the course of 12 games, Hoyer has thrown for 3,064 yards while completing 56.3 percent of his passes to go along with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 35 quarterback in the league this season.