It looks like Matt Schaub has a new home. The Oakland Raiders have announced that they have acquired the one-time franchise quarterback from the Houston Texans. Oakland did not announce the compensation, but it's likely a late-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Matt Schaub trade: Raiders announce trade for former Texans quarterback
Once the face of the Houston franchise, Schaub has been traded to Oakland, who reportedly plans to make him their starter.
Ross Tucker of NBC Sports reports that the Raiders will pay Schaub $11 million and aim to make him their starting quarterback.
Oakland general manager Reggie McKennzie hinted on Wednesday that he had “a really good idea” as to the identity of the Raiders’ starting signal caller in 2014. It would seem that teaser was a reference to the impending Schaub trade, which lends credence to the idea that the two-time Pro Bowler will indeed be given the opportunity to start.
A year ago, Schaub starting would have been a no-brainer, but a horrific season in Houston throws doubt over his ability to do so. He was benched midway through the Texans’ miserable 2-14 campaign, thanks in large part to an unwieldy turnover problem. Schaub tossed 14 interceptions in 2013 and set an NFL record by throwing a pick six in four consecutive games. He finished the year with 2,310 yards, 10 touchdowns, a 61.2 completion percentage and a passer rating of 73.0.
The Raiders had their own quarterback issues, as Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin both failed to distinguish themselves as legitimate NFL starters. Pryor began 2013 in that role, but injuries and inconsistency eventually forced in McGloin. McGloin showed flashes, but the team went 1-5 with him at the helm.
Schaub tossed 14 interceptions in 2013 and set an NFL record by throwing a pick six in four consecutive games.
Schefter reports that the Cleveland Browns also expressed interest in Schaub, but eventually were outbid by the Raiders.
The acquisition of Schaub could have a big effect on draft day. Holding the No. 5 overall pick, the Raiders were in play for top quarterback prospects like Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, but they may go another direction now if they feel as though they've secured a starter for 2014. That's big news for teams like the Buccaneers and Vikings (pick Nos. 7 and 8, respectively), who could see one of the aforementioned stars drop in their lap.
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