Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer could be auditioning for his next job during the preseason

Hoyer is set to become a free agent after the season.

Associated Press photoBrian Hoyer celebrates with Tom Brady.

FOXBOROUGH – The most important games of the season are about to begin for New England Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Entering the final year of his contract with little chance of seeing the field as long as Tom Brady remains healthy, Hoyer knows that his future earning potential could ride on the next four preseason games, beginning with Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

Right now, though, Hoyer is simply trying to prepare for the upcoming season like he could be called upon at any moment.

“You never know what’s going to happen so for me, the only thing I can control is the way I play,” Hoyer said. “I try to come out here and prepare myself as well as I can so when the real bullets start flying I’ll be ready.”

Hoyer is 27-for-43 with 286 yards with one touchdown and one interception in 13 regular season games. He was 25-for-42 with one touchdown during the 2011 preseason.

Hoyer will make $1.92 million this season.