Texans sign QB Brian Hoyer

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans have signed quarterback Brian Hoyer to a two-year deal to compete with Ryan Mallett for the starting job.

Hoyer signed the $10.5 million contract, with $4.75 million guaranteed on Wednesday, a day after Mallett signed a two-year deal for $7 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed.

Hoyer appeared in 14 games for Cleveland last season with 13 starts. He threw for 3,326 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The 29-year-old Hoyer was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and has appeared in 32 games with 17 starts in his career and has thrown for 4,557 yards with 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

The move comes on the same day Houston traded Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a conditional late-round draft pick. Fitzpatrick started 12 games last season in his only season with the Texans.