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Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer to be on Texans in 2015

The Texans' cadre of quarterbacks will soon include both Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.

NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Monday that Hoyer, the former Browns quarterback, will sign with his former coordinator Bill O'Brien in Houston.

The deal is expected to be for three years.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport is also reporting that the Texans have agreed to terms with Mallett, taking him off what promises to be a bustling free-agent market for quarterbacks. The deal is worth $7 million over two years, per Rapoport.

The move is an interesting one, if only because it absolutely clouds the immediate future of Ryan Fitzpatrick, a player who was dutiful, yet unspectacular in that role a year ago.

He has little guarantees heading his way in 2015, which makes him easier to cut -- a likely scenario given that the team also has Tom Savage waiting in the wings.

Instead, O'Brien will turn to yet another Brady backup, one who has more starting experience and one who momentarily had the Cleveland Browns sitting atop one of the best divisions in football.

If O'Brien is feeling the pressure to make the leap in 2015, this looks like the safest move. Pairing Hoyer with Mallett gives O'Brien two quarterbacks who could win him games though none that will single-handedly do so.

At the least, Hoyer is a known commodity, and as a relatively new head coach, O'Brien might appreciate the comfort that provides.

Also, it will be nice seeing Fitzpatrick back in the AFC East when he's inevitably scooped up by the Jets.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down the Brandon Marshall trade and plays another game of "Go Get My Lunch." Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.