Chicago Bears add experienced backup QB with signing of Brian Hoyer

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears finally came up with the experienced backup quarterback they've lacked since Josh McCown departed by signing former Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer to a one-year deal.

"It's been in the works for a while and probably was going to go down no matter what," general manager Ryan Pace said, indicating the fact the team didn't draft a quarterback had no bearing.

Hoyer had a 91.4 passer rating for the Texans last year with 19 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

"I just like the fact his touchdown/interception ratio last year was 19 touchdowns-seven interceptions," Pace said. "When he's played, he's been productive."

Hoyer has an 82.2 career rating and is in his eighth year. He started in 2013-14 with Cleveland and played in 2012 for Arizona after three years with New England.

Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains worked with Hoyer in Cleveland in 2014.

"I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him," Pace said. "I've watched him play over the years: a very intelligent player. I know he's got a strong work ethic because we've got coaches that have been with him.

"I think he's a really good piece to add to the mix."

The experience factor is big considering the only Bears backups behind starter Jay Cutler were David Fales and Matt Blanchard, who haven't thrown a regular-season pass.

"I like the idea of having an experienced backup there," Pace said. "It's important for that position and it just gives us security going forward."

There's always the consideration of how a new veteran quarterback might affect Cutler.

"We always ask ourselves, 'What kind of teammate are they? Are they unselfish? Are they for the better of the team?'" Pace said. "Hoyer definitely fits all of those qualities. That quarterback room is a tight-knit room, and you're always conscious of who you're putting in there.

"Hoyer is a really intelligent player. Those guys spend a lot of hours together. So you think about all the film they watch when they're studying the opponent, and it's nice to have a guy with that experience and that kind of background to kind of pair with Jay as we're preparing for opponents."

Pace said he hasn't spoken to Cutler since the move.

"I've been kind of held up in one room, so I haven't talked to him -- I know he knows we're adding competition at every position, and Hoyer provides competition, as well," Pace said.