Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer’s the grizzled vet with a Super Bowl ring from LIII and 10,899 yards across eight teams, while Drake Maye’s the shiny rookie starter in Foxboro, still chasing his first real shine. Hoyer’s career screams reliable backup—think the guy who hands off the keys to legends—Maye’s got the arm to rewrite Patriots lore if he avoids the sophomore slump like so many before him.

Nope, Brian Hoyer’s not in Canton—no Hall of Fame bust for the journeyman who bounced through eight squads without the MVPs or rings to force voters’ hands. Guy was a solid Brady understudy and spot starter with 53 TDs, but Hall’s for the immortals, not the ultimate pro’s pro who peaked with a 397-yard Bears game.

By 2026, Hoyer’s long retired after that Raiders cameo in ’23—no active roster spot for the 40-year-old. He’s likely grinding in broadcasting, like those ex-QB pods dissecting Pats film, or coaching up young arms with his system savvy from three New England stints. The ultimate football lifer, probably sipping coffee at some youth camp.

Hoyer’s game—59.3% completion, 6.28 rating—would get a boost from today’s pass-happy rules with no-holds-barred protections, but his arm’s no cannon and wheels are shot. He’d thrive as a bridge guy in shotgun spread offenses, hitting checkdowns like his 48-yarder to Tucker, not dropping dimes in prime time against blitzes.

Hoyer’s 6.28 passer rating next to Brady’s 133.7? It’s like comparing a reliable rental car to a Ferrari—both Patriots QBs, sure, but Tom owned Foxboro while Hoyer held clipboards through three stints. Hoyer snagged a ring as backup wizard; Brady built a dynasty. Apples to GOATs, but Hoyer’s the backup every contender dreams of.