Originally posted by Still_too_soon:
Another reading that doesn't require Bill Belichick to have human emotions: They had a narrow path they needed to cross. They wanted to sell Garoppolo of to a team that A. had a solid second round pick to poach, B. needed a quarterback, and C. Had an acceptable quarterback on the roster that could serve as a suitable backup to Brady, now that they were unloading their only backup at the spot.
In a weird way, picking up Brian Hoyer actually was helpful to the 49ers. He's a vet so he doesn't go to waivers. Once he's cut, he's a free agent. So part of the deal here was probably a handshake deal with Hoyer to walk directly back over to New England.
49ers are the only team that meets A B and C.
Hoyer was originally part of the deal but the Pats nixed that after they considered the compensation pick ramifications. So they knew we were cutting him anyways.