Cleveland Browns Rumors: Re-signing Free Agent Brian Hoyer is an Option

Brian Hoyer, who entered the free agent market, might stay with the Cleveland Browns despite losing his starting position to a rookie this year.

Rumors are that the Browns, who did not perform any better with rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel, might want to keep Hoyer around. Hoyer's agent, Joe Linta has confirmed that Browns are interested in Hoyer, 29. The veteran quarterback, however, would reportedly want the option to compete for the starting position.

"We never got to the numbers part. They called and said they were interested in bringing him back," Linta revealed, according to Nate Ulrich with Beacon Journal. "I think the only thing that would make him not [want to] come back is if they said [Johnny] Manziel or whoever we take in the draft or whoever we sign in free agency is going to be the starter and you will only be the backup. I think that would probably drive him away a little bit. If [Mike] Pettine said, 'Hey, it's going to be an open competition again between you and Johnny,' great, let's go...[Hoyer] wants to play. The kid wants to have an opportunity to compete and play."

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Linta stated that they have "left the door open both ways."

Hoyer made 13 starts and one relief appearance for the Browns this season. He started off the season strong with a record of 6-3. Hoyer completed 242 of 438 passes for 3,326 yards. He threw 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Hoyer was benched in Week 13 and replaced in Week 15 by Manziel.

The Browns finished 7-9 this season.