Undrafted former Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has signed a free-agent deal with the Patriots, according to a report by the Detroit Free Press.

The report quoted Hoyer, who issued a statement through his marketing representative, as saying: "While it would have been great to get drafted, I'm looking forward to joining the New England Patriots. They made it clear to me that I'll have an opportunity to compete, and I'm honored that such a great franchise will give me that chance."

The 6-3, 215-pound Hoyer started all of the Spartans' games in his junior and senior seasons. After a strong 2007 campaign, his numbers took a dive last season as Michigan State relied more on the running game. He threw as many interceptions (nine) as touchdowns last season. But Hoyer was impressive at the East-West Shrine Game, and he has good size for a quarterback.