Ex-starter Brian Hoyer may emerge as trade chip for Texans

Now that the Texans have landed quarterback Brock Osweiler as their new starting quarterback on a blockbuster four-year $72 million deal, they have a looming decision that could involve potential trade scenarios for former starter Brian Hoyer.

Hoyer remains under contract as he enters the second year of a $10.5 million contract and is due a nonguaranteed $4 million base salary this season.

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Hoyer, 30, could become a bargaining chip for a draft pick for a team that currently owns seven selections heading into the April draft. Several teams would be interested in acquiring Hoyer should he become available, according to NFL sources not authorized to speak publicly.

Should the Texans trade Hoyer, they could go with Tom Savage as the primary backup to Osweiler.

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Click through the gallery to revisit the Texans' quarterback history during their franchise existence. less With his time as the Texans' starter over with Brock Osweiler's arrival, Brian Hoyer may be dangled as trade bait.

Click through the gallery to revisit the Texans' quarterback history during their franchise ... more With his time as the Texans' starter over with Brock Osweiler's arrival, Brian Hoyer may be dangled as trade bait. Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 66 Caption Close Ex-starter Brian Hoyer may emerge as trade chip for Texans 1 / 66 Back to Gallery

Hoyer has displayed the kind of personality and team-oriented approach in the past where he could provide the Texans with the rare commodity of a proven backup. He regained the starting job with the Texans and Cleveland Browns and never complained about being benched and was supportive of the starter in each setting.

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

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Hoyer also had his share of success during the regular season after winning back his starting job from Ryan Mallett and overcoming a pair of concussions. He completed 60.7 percent of his throws for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 91.4 passer rating. For his career, the former backup to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has completed 58.1 percent of his throws for 7,163 yards, 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions for an 82.2 passer rating.

“Brian is a tough guy, mentally tough, good person, good teammate,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said of Hoyer this offseason. “He’s a guy who’s been through a lot in his career and is a mentally tough guy.”