Texans Release Brian Hoyer - Signs With Bears

[key2win]

Houston Texans tell QB Brian Hoyer they will cut him

After signing Brock Osweiler and re-signing Brandon Weeden at the beginning of April, the Houston Texans have told quarterback Brian Hoyer that they will release him, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan.

Despite a rocky start to 2015, Hoyer had arguably his best regular season with Houston last season. He played in 11 games, with nine starts, going 5-4. He threw for 2,606 yards with 19 touchdowns against only seven interceptions.

He opened and closed the season with disastrous performances against the Chiefs. In the Texans' season opener, Hoyer threw an interception on his very first pass to Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters. Hoyer struggled to recover and then was benched for Ryan Mallett in the fourth quarter. It took him four weeks to regain his starting spot.

To conclude the season, he had four interceptions and a fumble in a 30-0 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC wild-card playoff game.

The 30-year-old Hoyer has played for four teams in seven seasons in the league.

[key2win]

Chicago Bears, QB Brian Hoyer agree to terms on contract

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer on a one-year deal.

Six teams expressed interest in Hoyer, who played one season in Cleveland under Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. The Bears pursued Hoyer because of the experience and leadership he brings to the backup quarterback spot behind incumbent starter Jay Cutler.

"I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. "I've watched him play over the years. A very intelligent player. I know he's got a strong work ethic because we've got coaches that have been with him. I think he's a really good piece to add to the mix."

Chicago's other reserve quarterbacks, David Fales and Matt Blanchard, have yet to appear in a regular-season game. Since 2011, Cutler has missed 14 games due to injury.

"I like the idea of having an experienced backup there," Pace said. "It's important for that position, and it just gives us security going forward."

A veteran of eight NFL seasons, Hoyer played in 11 regular-season games for the Houston Texans last year and passed for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In the Texans' playoff loss to Kansas City, Hoyer struggled, with four interceptions, and that paved the way for his release two weeks ago.