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Packers tried to sign Brian Hoyer, per report

Contrary to Mike McCarthy’s claims, the Packers have considered quarterbacks outside the organization to replace the injured Aaron Rodgers.

San Francisco 49ers v Indianapolis Colts Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

In the aftermath of Aaron Rodgers' broken collarbone, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said they would not consider quarterbacks outside the organization. That plan changed at some point, as the team made a play for free-agent signal-caller Brian Hoyer, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Hoyer spent the first half of the season with the San Francisco 49ers, mostly as a starter. However, after the team acquired Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots, Hoyer became expendable. The 49ers released him soon after finalizing the Garoppolo trade, making the veteran quarterback immediately available for interested franchises.

Apparently, the Packers were among those teams. Hoyer eventually signed a three-year deal with the Patriots.

The Packers' interest in Hoyer doesn't necessarily stem from the poor performance of Brett Hundley, who started in Rodgers' place during Week 7's loss to the New Orleans Saints. Rather, Hoyer could have replaced Joe Callahan, the former undrafted free agent and practice squad player who lost out to Taysom Hill during the preseason but regained his spot after the Saints claimed Hill during final cuts. Hoyer would also have provided insurance in case Hundley remains ineffective as the starter.

Given the Packers considered Hoyer, it stands to reason they have looked at other available quarterbacks as well. As such, if Hundley doesn't improve his play, perhaps the team will move on a free-agent signal-callers in the future.