The Cleveland Browns have announced that Brian Hoyer has signed a two-year contract with the team.

The quarterback was released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month, having started just one game in the 2012 season.

The Browns reportedly considered a trade with the Cardinals to acquire Hoyer earlier in the off-season, but were able to secure him as a free agent.

The 27-year-old spent three seasons as backup to Tom Brady at the New England Patriots, before being cut by the AFC East side in August last year.