BEARS SIGN BRIAN HOYER,
The Chicago Bears didn’t draft a quarterback but added former Texan Brian Hoyer to back up Jay Cutler.
Hoyer, who visited the Jets and Broncos prior to the NFL draft, is getting a one-year contract, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly.
Hoyer was released by the Texans one year into a two-year, $10.5 million contract.
When healthy last season, Hoyer put up solid numbers in 11 regular-season games for the Texans, including nine starts.
After winning back his starting job from Ryan Mallett following a benching in the season opener and later overcoming a pair of concussions, Hoyer finished the season with a 60.7 completion percentage, 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 91.4 passer rating.
Cowboys get creative at QB, TE
The Cowboys drafted a quarterback for the first time since 2009 and added a Baylor basketball star who last played football when he was in eighth grade.
Dallas took Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott with the 135th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft Saturday, adding to the group competing to be the backup to Tony Romo.
With the last of four picks in the sixth round, the Cowboys took Baylor’s Rico Gathers at No. 217 overall. The 6-8, 275-pound Gathers projects as a tight end after deciding against pursuing a career in the NBA.
Prescott set 38 school records with the Bulldogs and is one of two Southeastern Conference quarterbacks to throw for at least 70 touchdowns and rush for at least 40 in a career. Florida’s Tim Tebow is the other.
Brothers of Watt, Gronk join clubs
The San Diego Chargers drafted the younger brother of Texans defensive end J.J. Watt — Wisconsin fullback/tight end Derek Watt — in the sixth round, and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a free-agent deal with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronskowski’s younger brother, Glenn Gronkowski, a fullback from Kansas State who went undrafted.
Vikings select German receiver
The Minnesota Vikings have made German wide receiver Moritz Boehringer the first player drafted straight into the NFL from Europe.
The Vikings took the 22-year-old Boehringer, who didn’t play competitive American football until 2013, in the sixth round with the 180th overall selection.
Titans make CB the final pick
Southern Miss cornerback Kalan Reed was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 253rd and final pick in the draft.
As per tradition, the 2015 first-team All-Conference USA selection will be invited to be the guest of honor for a Mr. Irrelevant celebration in Newport Beach, Calif., this summer.
From staff and wire reports