Deal for Hoyer still a possibility

General manager Rick Smith wasn’t about to tip his hand and reveal his intentions regarding quarterback Brian Hoyer or do anything to undercut the former starter’s potential trade value.

Yet the Texans are exploring trade scenarios involving Hoyer after signing Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million deal as their new starter, and NFL teams are interested in acquiring Hoyer, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

However, Smith didn’t rule out keeping Hoyer. Hoyer is entering the second year of a $10.5 million contract and is due a non-guaranteed $4 million salary.

“I think it’s pretty apparent you need a couple of quarterbacks in this league,” Smith said. “And Brian obviously played a lot of football for us, understands our system, our scheme and our team and is a valuable member of our team.”

If the Texans trade Hoyer, they could go with Tom Savage as the primary backup to Osweiler. Among the teams that need quarterbacks are Denver, New York Jets, Los Angeles and Cleveland, Hoyer’s hometown team.

Hoyer struggled mightily in the Texans’ 30-0 AFC wild-card playoff game loss to Kansas City as he was intercepted four times and lost a fumble for five total turnovers.

Hoyer passed for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season for a 91.4 passer rating.

“Obviously, we had a need at the quarterback position,” Smith said. “We haven’t had consistency at the quarterback position, and we really feel like the move to add Brock gives us that stability. Hopefully, that will allow us to advance a little bit further than what we’ve done before.”