New York Jets free agency rumors 2016: Ex-Texans Brian Hoyer visits team after recent release

(Reuters/Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.

As the contract saga between the New York Jets and last season's starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick continues, the team is searching for other options. And Tuesday, they met with Brian Hoyer. 

Since the free agency began, the Jets have struggled to reach an agreement with Fitzpatrick, who remains an unrestricted free agent. Previous reports stated that he is asking too much and the team is not giving in to his demands. 

Now, as the drama goes on, the Jets are exploring and according to NFL.com had a meeting with Hoyer who was recently cut by the Houston Texans.

Hoyer was the Texans' main passer in the 2015 season despite losing the starting job in a number of games. He played great and was even the starter in their Wild Card Playoffs matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. But during that playoff game which Houston lost 30-0, he was horrible. 

Following a bad playoff performance, Hoyer's stay in Houston was in danger when the Texans acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler from the Denver Broncos last March and gave backup Brandon Weeden a new contract earlier this month.

A few weeks after those roster moves, the Texans officially parted ways with Hoyer who is now a free agent. 

The Jets' meeting with Hoyer is important for both parties since this might mean a potential negotiation. If the Jets cannot sign Fitzpatrick to a contract he desires, they might end up having a new starting quarterback in Hoyer. Meanwhile, for the 30-year-old, it is a good sign since it means he still garners interests, especially from a team who came close to making it to the playoffs last season. 

But still, the Jets' top priority is keeping Fitzpatrick, who helped them to a winning record in the 2015 season. Unfortunately, it was not enough for a playoff appearance.  

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