Report: Texans release Brian Hoyer

The Houston Texans have released quarterback Brian Hoyer, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Texans' offseason conditioning program starts Monday, notes Rapoport, with the club apparently deciding to release Hoyer after failing to find a trade partner.

Hoyer appeared in 11 games last season for Houston, helping lead the team to the playoffs. However, he was rendered expendable after the club handed Brock Osweiler a huge deal in free agency - essentially assuring him of the starting job.

The 30-year-old Hoyer was believed to have been a trade target of several teams looking to add a veteran passer - including the Denver Broncos - and will now likely be an in-demand free agent.

Hoyer's last game with Houston, however, may not do much to increase his free-agent stock. He threw four interceptions in a devastating wild-card round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Texans offense failing to put up a single point.

With Hoyer gone, Brandon Weeden and Tom Savage will likely battle it out for the right to backup Osweiler in 2016.