Bears to sign veteran Brian Hoyer to back up Jay Cutler for 2016

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Quarterback Brian Hoyer started nine games for the AFC South champion Houston Texans last season, with a 5-4 record and 91.4 rating (19 touchdowns, seven interceptions). The Bears agreed to terms with Hoyer on a one-year contract Saturday. (Eric Christian Smith/AP)

Hoping for more dependability and experience in case something happens to Jay Cutler, the Bears have agreed to terms with veteran Brian Hoyer to a one-year contract to be Cutler’s back-up.

Hoyer, 30, started nine games and played in 11 for the AFC South champion Houston Texans last season, with a 5-4 record and 91.4 passer rating. He struggled in the playoffs, throwing four interceptions and finishing with a 15.9 passer rating in a 30-0 loss to the Chiefs.

But he should be an upgrade over journeyman Jimmy Clausen and unproven David Fales. Then again, Jason Campbell wasn’t.

“I like the idea of having an experienced back-up there,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. “It’s important for that position and it just gives us security.”

Hoyer has started 26 games in seven NFL seasons, including 13 for the Cleveland Browns when current Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was the Browns’ quarterbacks coach. Hoyer was 7-6 with a 76.5 rating that year.

“I love it when we have familiarity with these guys from coaches,” Pace said. “I feel like it reduces some of the risk. Dowell was passionate about [Hoyer] and then watching the tape, I was, too.”

Cutler has started 99 of 114 games in seven seasons with the Bears, but has not started all 16 in a season since 2009.

Long story

After the selection of guard Cody Whitehair in the second round added intrigue to the Bears’ offensive line scenario for 2016, coach John Fox would not say whether Kyle Long would move back to right guard after all.

“We’re just trying to build competition,” Fox said. “We have a way better understanding of what we have now than we did this time last year. We’ve got guys in free agency or the raft that’ll compete when we get on the grass.”

Cutler or bust?

The Bears had three shots at Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth round and passed each time. In fact, they did use any of their nine picks on a quarterback.

“We’re taking the best player available every time, so the way it worked out for us, we didn’t take a quarterback,” Pace said. “We would have, if it lined up right for us. But I’m glad we got Hoyer.”

Prescott was drafted by the Cowboys later in the fourth round, 135th overall.

Tight end search continues

After trading Pro Bowler Martellus Bennett to the Jets, the Bears also came up empty in their search for a tight end in this year’s draft. Heading into offseason practices, Zach Miller is the starter, backed up by unproven Khari Lee, Rob Housler and Gannon Sinclair.

“It was a pretty thin position this year, to be honest with you,” Pace said. “When I talk about being careful about not moving guys up too high based on needs, we were conscious of that.

Pace was hopeful the Bears could sign an undrafted free agent tight end. But that’s generally  not where you find the next Martellus Bennett. The Bears are expected to sign Wisconsin-Oshkosh tight end Joe Summers as an undrafted free agent.

“We’re going to be aggressive at the tight end position [in the undrafted market],” Pace said. “There are still avenues to upgrade the position if we feel [it is] necessary. But we like the guys we have.”

Bears sign Robertson-Harris 

UTEP edge rusher Roy Robertson-Harris, who took one of the Bears’ 30 visits to Halas Hall earlier this month, has agreed to join the team as an undrafted free agent.

Others who will be added include 6-7, 315-pound Buffalo offensive tackle John Kling, Liberty receiver Darrin Peterson and Sommers. The Bears are expected to announce their signings Sunday.

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