When Tom Brady is your starter, the thought of using your backup hardly ever crosses your mind. With that said, the Patriots have quite the duo when it comes to their backup signal callers, giving New England perhaps the best quarterback depth of any team in the NFL.
Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett might not be getting many snaps right now, but we've seen in the past that one unfortunate play could thrust either one into action. And if that were to ever happen — knock on wood — both quarterbacks have the potential to become successful.
Hoyer, having backed up Brady for three seasons, has more experience. He's blossomed into one of the game's most highly regarded backup quarterbacks, which led him to test the free-agent waters this offseason.
No team was ready to hand the starting reins over to Hoyer just yet, and he'll return to New England after signing his restricted free-agent tender on Friday, but there's reason to believe he'll someday earn a starting gig.
The same can be said for Mallett, who has a cannon for an arm. Mallett was considered a first-round talent out of Arkansas, but questions about his character led to him dropping to the third round, where the Patriots couldn't help but snatch him up.
Whether it be in New England a few years from now or some place else, Mallett's talent could soon be on display for the whole league to see.
So which New England backup has a brighter future?
Which Patriots backup quarterback will have a better NFL career?
