hoyer was claimed on waivers by the arizona cardinals on december 10. he replaced ryan lindley in week 16 against the chicago bears, and completed 11-of-19 passes for 105 yards and an interception. on december 26, cardinals head coach ken whisenhunt announced that hoyer would start the season finale against the san francisco 49ers, making him the fourth starting quarterback for the cardinals that season. he finished the 27–13 loss 19-of-34 for 225 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. on may 12, 2013, hoyer was released by the cardinals.