On cut-down day, the New England Patriots released backup quarterback Brian Hoyer in favor of rookie Jarrett Stidham. The move was considered surprising, as instead of a veteran behind Tom Brady, the Patriots will have a rookie attempting to soak up knowledge from the greatest to ever do it.

But, Hoyer's time in New England may not be entirely over. On Sunday, head coach Bill Belichick noted that he likes both players as they played well in camp. He mentions that it's a long season and he'll see what happens pertaining to the situation.

As the coach said to CLNS' Mike Petraglia via ESPN's Mike Reiss:

“I thought both players played well in camp. I like both players. In the end, there are a number of considerations that you have to make … it’s a long season, so we’ll see what happens.”

Belichick hints that, in typical Patriot fashion, that he's not done tinkering with his roster, including the quarterback position. However, for now, Stidham is the backup; he showed why during preseason play.

Over four preseason games, Stidham amassed 731 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception on 61-of-90 passing, good for a 67.8% completion rate and 102.6 passer rating.

Hoyer, on the other hand, wasn't played in the final two games and compiled 202 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 18-of-22 passing. He finished throwing 81.2% and with a 116.3 passer rating.

Though the Patriots may want to bring Hoyer back, he's a valuable commodity for many teams looking for a backup quarterback.

Denver and Indianapolis may poach him before New England gets a chance.