The Baltimore Ravens already have their franchise signal-caller in Joe Flacco, but it is always good to have an emergency plan. That’s why on Tuesday, the team decided to sign free agent Matt Schaub.
The deal is for one-year worth $3 million. The Baltimore Sun reported that Ravens were the only team Schaub visited. He also reportedly received interest from the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans.
I’m really thrilled for the opportunity,” Schaub said in a conference call on Wednesday. “I would really, really, really like to thank Mr. Bisciotti and Ozzie Newsome for bringing me in to be a part of the Ravens.”
With so many options, why did Schaub decide to sign with the Ravens?
“Baltimore just stood out the whole time,” he said. “It’s a great fit for me as far as the offense is concerned, as far as the type of player Joe (Flacco) is and how we’ll mesh in the quarterback room.”
Schaub said being familiar with the Ravens offense also played a huge role in his decided to sign with the team. He played seven seasons under Gary Kubiak, who was the Ravens offensive coordinator last year. Even though Kubiak is now the head coach of the Denver Broncos, new Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman will keep the same type of offense.
Football is football, but at the same time there are certain things within certain offenses that from year to year you just pick up and grow from,” Schaub said. “I’m going to be a resource for Joe. I’m going to be there to push him, to help him continue to grow and develop.”
Schaub is no longer the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback that he was with the Texans, but he is a significant upgrade to the Ravens backup quarterback position.
The Ravens have been looking for a backup with experience ever since Tyrod Taylor left to sign with the Buffalo Bills. The only other quarterbacks on their roster are Keith Wenning and Bryn Renner. Neither quarterback has thrown a regular season pass in their career.
Schaub was the quarterback for seven seasons for the Houston Texans. In 2013 when the Texans were struggling, he was benched in favor of Case Keenum.
In 2014, Schaub was expected to be the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, but things didn’t work out as planned. He was beat out by then rookie Derek Carr for the starting role and Schaub barely saw the field. He only played late in the Raiders 52-0 loss against the St. Louis Rams.
Despite his play the last couple of seasons, Schaub believes he still can be a good player in the NFL
I learned from it. I’ve got a lot more football left in me,” said Schaub. “I know what I’m capable of. It’s just a matter of finding the right opportunity.”
