Raiders acquire QB Schaub from Texans
Matt Schaub gets a new start as a starting quarterback with the Oakland Raiders.
Schaub, pending a physical, was traded from the Houston Texans for a sixth-round draft pick Friday. He will sit atop a Raiders depth chart with Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin also under contract.
Schaub lost his starting spot with the Texans in the midst of a 14-game losing streak last season that led to Houston earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. It was widely presumed he would be cut before the start of free agency, but with no deadlines for bonuses in his contract structure ahead, the Texans held onto Schaub to invite trade offers.
The Texans signed former Titans backup Ryan Fitzpatrick on Thursday, cementing Schaub's fate.
Schaub, 46-44 as a starter, lost his grip on the quarterback job in Houston after a disastrous start to the 2013 season, including an interception returned for a touchdown during a league-record four consecutive games. Schaub was booed in his home stadium and replaced by undrafted Case Keenum.
The Raiders are familiar with this route of trading for seasoned, often out-of-favor veteran starters. Carson Palmer was acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011 for multiple draft picks but sent him to the Arizona Cardinals after two seasons. Matt Flynn was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks but was released at midseason after two poor showings.
Schaub led the Texans to a 12-4 record during the 2012 season before flaming out late after throwing 22 touchdowns with 12 interceptions when he made the Pro Bowl for the second time since 2009.
He turns 33 in June and has 80 career regular-season starts.
New head coach Bill O'Brien said at the scouting combine he was still evaluating his roster with the Texans.
Schaub leaves as Houston's all-time leading passer, a two-time Pro Bowl performer and the 2012 winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award.
"On behalf of the Houston Texans organization, I'd like to thank Matt Schaub for the contributions he has made to this franchise on and off the field," Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Rick Smith said in a statement. "Matt and his wife, Laurie, have given so much back to the Houston community through their GR8 Hope Foundation and have really served as role models here in so many ways. We wish the entire Schaub Family well in the future."
McKenzie and the Raiders have shown interest in the 2014 quarterback draft class, notably Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville. Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel is likely to draw consideration as well. His personal pro day workout in March 27.
Coach Dennis Allen said in February the Raiders are working to figure out if Pryor can be an NFL starter.
