We have long awaited the Houston Texans to release veteran signal-caller Matt Schaub. Apparently, that’s not how the divorce will go down.
According to NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport, the Texans are pushing to trade Schaub and his $14.5 million cap hit. The Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns are the teams expected to show interest.
While free agency continues, #Texans continue their push to trade QB Matt Schaub & his $14.5M cap hit. #Raiders & #Browns have some interest
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2014
Over the weekend, it was reported that the Raiders favor Schaub above the other notable free-agent quarterbacks, including Michael Vick, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman. Schaub was believed to be one of the team’s top priorities once he was released, but perhaps the situation became a bit more complicated once the trade rumors were leaked. Schaub does have a bloated salary but Oakland began the offseason with plenty of salary cap room — estimated to be close to $65 million.
The Browns have about $33 million in cap space, according to Sportrac, and just lost Brandon Weeden to the Dallas Cowboys. Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney are the only quarters under contract by the team. Last week, the Cleveland Plain-Deal reported the Browns had serious interest in signing Schaub, and the quarterback enjoyed his best statistical season of his career under former Texans and new Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The New York Jets have also been linked to Schaub, though more so in a backup role and potential starter should second-year quarterback Geno Smith slip up. However, previous reports have suggested Schaub would like to land somewhere where he has the opportunity to start right off the bat.
Like the Darrelle Revis situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Texans may have no choice but to release Schaub and allow him to test the market as an unrestricted free agent. For now, though, the team is clinging to the hope they can still collect a draft pick in exchange for the coveted veteran.
As for who will replace Schaub in Houston? Rapoport reports the team will pursue Sanchez if and when he is released by the Jets.
When #Texans make their move with Matt Schaub (cut or trade), expect them to have interest in #Jets QB Mark Sanchez if/when he’s released
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2014
It’s an interesting situation, as both Schaub and Sanchez remain with the Texans and Jets, respectively, while both teams have interest in each other’s soon-to-be released/trades backups. Sanchez, too, is coveted by Oakland if and when the team strikes out with Schaub.
Adding Sanchez is an interesting concept, though, and the first time the Texans have been linked to a free-agent quarterback. Perhaps adding the former Jets starter would preclude Houston from drafting a quarterback No. 1 overall come May.
Sanchez is expected to be cut sometime before March 25 when he is due a $2 million roster bonus. Rapoport will not rule out a Schaub-for-Sanchez swap.
