Brian Hoyer: All options are open
CLEVELAND -- Quarterback Brian Hoyer conceded that the NFL's text-message investigation involving the Cleveland Browns' front office could affect his thinking if he becomes a free agent.
"To read the stories and see what's going on, I'm just as interested as you guys are to see where that comes out," Hoyer said Saturday after making an appearance at the Home and Garden Show in Cleveland. "Especially because when you read it has to do with the quarterback situation and play calling. That's something that could affect how I feel about it.
"For me, I'm looking forward to see what comes out of that."
Hoyer stressed, though, that all options are on the table regarding his future.
"And obviously, Cleveland has a big place in my heart," he said.
Hoyer's statement about the text messages came in response to a question about the league looking into texting from the Browns' front office to the coaching staff and sidelines, a violation of league rules. ESPN has confirmed reports from CBSSports.com and Cleveland.com that general manager Ray Farmer is being investigated for sending texts to former quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains in the press box and to an unidentified team employee on the sidelines regarding use of personnel, strategy and play calling.
A suspension for Farmer, a loss of a draft pick and a fine for the team are among the possible sanctions, league sources confirmed to ESPN.
"I'm not going to comment any more other than the fact that I'm just as interested as you all are to see where that goes," Hoyer said.
Hoyer started the Browns' first 13 games this past season and at one point had the team at 7-4. When he struggled against theColts, the Brownsturned to Johnny Manziel, who was woeful in a 30-0 loss to theBengals.
Manziel now has admitted himself into rehab to reassess his values, a source close to him said. Hoyer said he admired Manziel for his decision, especially given that Manziel is so much in the public eye.
"It takes a big person to take those steps," Hoyer said. "I'm hoping for the best for him."
Hoyer added it was "disappointing" to know Josh Gordon was suspended for the season. Hoyer added that it was difficult to compare the Browns' front-office dysfunction to that of the only other team he spent a lot of time with -- thePatriots-- one considered the model of stability.
"So I really can't compare it to that," Hoyer said, adding he'd "be lying" to say he was unaware of any issues.
"But to the extent, I had no idea," he said.
The resignation of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan with two years left on his contract, Hoyer said, speaks for itself.
"You don't just leave a job to leave," he said.
Hoyer has met new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo but has not talked with Farmer since the season ended. Hoyer added he would be open to returning to the Browns and emphasized all options are open. But Hoyer said he believes he's proven he can win as an NFL quarterback (his 10-6 record is the only winning mark for a Browns quarterback since 1999).
"I'm from here," Hoyer said. "Would it be great to stay here? Sure. But if it's not the best place to be at this point in my career, I'm going to have to make tough decisions."
