Just minutes after reports surfaced that the 49ers had traded for Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the team released QB Brian Hoyer, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Major QB shakeup: 49ers trading 2018 2nd-round draft pick to New England for Patriots’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2017
Hoyer was signed this offseason to be a placeholder until Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch either signed or drafted their quarterback of the future next offseason. With Garoppolo now in the fold and rookie C.J. Beathard as the backup, there was no need to keep Hoyer around. It appears likely that Hoyer will re-join the Patriots who are now without a backup quarterback. Hoyer played behind Tom Brady from 2009-2011.
Hoyer struggled mightily in his only season with the 49ers, losing his job in Week 6 to Beathard. Hoyer threw four TDs and four interceptions in six games, posting a career worst passer rating of 74.1, and was ranked 27th among qualifying QBs in overall effectiveness according to Pro Football Focus.
