49ers: Brian Hoyer is the ideal quarterback for the team in 2017
By Chris Wilson
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer isn’t a perfect quarterback, but he is the perfect QB for the 2017 Niners. With Hoyer at the helm, the 49ers have the ability stay competitive and win games while they rebuild for future playoff contention.
No one expects the San Francisco 49ers to win many games in 2017, but thanks to quarterback Brian Hoyer, the 49ers could be the best bet in Vegas.
The 2017 quarterback free-agent class was exceptionally weak. But the 49ers — who started free agency without a quarterback on their roster — may have found their diamond in the rough in the eight-year veteran Hoyer.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t view Hoyer as the long-term answer, but he believes Hoyer is the bridge QB to lead the team while the 49ers wait for their franchise quarterback.
Aditi Kinkhabwala on NFL Network, citing source close to Kyle said that Shanny views Hoyer as a backup type QB.
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) March 8, 2017
For the 2017 49ers, Hoyer isn’t their Mr. Right, but there are five reasons why he’s their Mr. Right Now.
Hoyer knows Shanahan’s system
If the 49ers’ free-agent signings are any indication, Shanahan and 49ers general manager John Lynch value players who already know the system. Not only does Hoyer understand Shanahan’s offensive system, he played for Shanahan in 2014.
While playing under Shanahan for the 2014 Cleveland Browns, Hoyer compiled a 7-6 record, and lead the NFL with a 13.7 yards-per-completion rate.
Hoyer is a winner, even on bad teams
Hoyer has never been a starting quarterback for a good NFL team, yet he always finds ways to win football games.
Hoyer has a 16-15 record over the course of his career. When Hoyer was not in the lineup, his teams posted a 12-37 overall record.
Hoyer is a leader
Hoyer has always been a leader in the locker room, and has been praised as such by teammates over his career:
"“He’s a commander. He’s the chief of this offense, and he handles himself like that on and off the field. When he gets in the huddle, he’s the leader. You would think he’s been in this offense 10 years.” – Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins"
He recently received similar accolades from 49ers wide receiver Pierre Garçon:
"“He’s being a good leader and helping get us all on the same page,” Garçon said of Hoyer. “It’s tough because everyone is coming together and learning something new, but he has some history in (Shanahan’s system). He’s happy and has a positive energy towards the task in front of him.” – Pierre Garçon"
As the leader of the 49ers offense, Hoyer announced plans for “49ers’ Camp Hoyer” — a three-day practice session for Hoyer and his offense teammates — as reported by Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee:
"“Quarterback Brian Hoyer said he and some of the other offensive players will get together in early July to ensure the chemistry they started to develop in spring drills doesn’t evaporate before training camp. Players are scheduled to report on July 27.” – Matt Barrows"
Hoyer’s contract is team-friendly
The San Francisco 49ers signed Hoyer to a reasonable two-year, $12 million contract, with under $10 million guaranteed. Game bonuses and performance incentives could increase the cost of Hoyer’s contract to a maximum of $18.5 million over two years.
By comparison, the Chicago Bears signed their bridge quarterback, Mike Glennon, to a three-year, $45 million contract two days after the 49ers signed Hoyer. If the Bears decide to release Glennon after the 2017 season, their one-year rental will cost the team $18.5 million.
Hoyer is a starting-caliber NFL quarterback
Hoyer’s play has improved in each season since Shanahan gave Hoyer his first true opportunity to be a starting quarterback in 2014; Hoyer increased his quarterback rating to 91.4 in 2015, and again to 98.0 in 2016.
Before injuring his forearm, Hoyer was on his way to a breakout statistical season in 2016. Playing on another bad team, he eclipsed 300 passing yards in each game he started prior to his injury, and threw six touchdown passes without throwing an interception.
If Hoyer had played enough to qualify, his 2016 Pro Football Focus grade of 81.1 would have been the 15th highest quarterback grade in the NFL. Hoyer is an exciting player, and he is a winner — but he needs to stay healthy.
Next: 49ers film room: Hoyer's vertical passing game
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer is the ideal QB for the team in 2017. Expect more excitement — and a few more wins — from the Niners this season.