NFL Notes: Brian Hoyer, Rule Change, Broncos, Lions, & Patriots

Brian Hoyer

• Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston suggests the Buccaneers, Texans, Bills and Jets as four teams to watch for Browns free agent QB Brian Hoyer this offseason.

Rule Change

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the NFL is considering a rule change that would allow all  53 players to dress for Thursday night games, and no players being inactive.

Florio adds that this doesn’t mean all 53 players would dress for the game, but the team could have the option of having everyone available if they were healthy.

Broncos

Mike Klis of the Denver Post points out that the Broncos will have around$13 million of cap room to work with after they franchise WR Demaryius Thomas at a cost of $12.8 million.

• Restructuring QB Peyton Manning‘s contract is still a possibility, which would boost that figure quite a bit.
• According to Klis, the Broncos could still target some notable free agents like Chiefs C Rodney Hudson, Dolphins TE Charles Clay, and Ravens OLB Pernell McPhee this offseason.
• However, Klis writes that the Broncos could end up losing TE Julius Thomas, S Rahim Moore, G Orlando Franklin and DT Terrance Knighton to big-money contracts.
• Klis can see the Broncos looking for either an offensive tackle or a tight end at No. 28 overall in this year’s draft.

Lions

• Lions LB Stephen Tulloch said he’s “way ahead of schedule” in rehab from his torn ACL. (Alex Marvez)
• Tulloch added that he hasn’t heard from the Lions regarding his future with the team. (Alex Marvez)

Patriots

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston writes a contract that averages $16 million per season and includes as much as $50 million in the first three years could “very well be in his reach” for CB Darrelle Revis if he’s looking to maximize his situation.

• Reiss mentions that free agent RB Stevan Ridley should “think twice” about re-signing with the Patriots now that he’s coming off of a torn ACL, due to their depth at the position.
• According to Reiss, a $4 million annual salary for Patriots free agent K Stephen Gostkowski is “well within reason” now that 40-year-old K Matt Bryant landed a  three-year, $8.5 million contract extension from the Falcons.