Falcons near deal to trade Schaub
Backup QB would go to Texans
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/21/07
In potentially the biggest move of the Falcons' offseason, backup quarterback Matt Schaub could be traded to Houston an exchange of first-round picks this season and two second-round picks, according to an NFL official with knowledge of the situation.
Houston and Atlanta were in deep discussions about a trade Wednesday, but a deal can not be finalized until Schaub, a restricted free agent, reaches an agreement on a new contract with Houston. The agreement is expected to be reached Thursday according to the official.
In the deal, the Falcons would move up two spots to No. 8 in the first round of April's NFL draft and receive Houston's second-round draft pick in each of the next two seasons. That would give Atlanta three of the top 44 selections (8th, 39th and 44th) in this season's draft to address several key areas. The Texans would move back two spaces in the draft to No. 10.
A trade of Schaub would free up $2.3 million in salary-cap space, which was occupied by the one-year free-agent tender the Falcons extended Schaub to retain his rights.
"Matt is a restricted free agent and he is entitled to visit any team and do what he may want to do," Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay responded to a question from the Journal-Constitution on a national conference call intended to discuss the agenda for next week's NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. "We've talked to a number of teams who have interest in Matt. Beyond that, that's about all I'm going to say."
Schuab and Joby Branion, who represents Schaub, could not be reached for comment.
Having several high selections in the draft could enable Atlanta to move up further in the draft or slide down and acquire more selections. However, with needs at nearly every position on defense, running back and the offensive line, the Falcons could stick with their current allotment, especially since they pick in the top half of all seven rounds.
Schaub, a third-round pick in 2004, started just two games in his three seasons with the Falcons, losing both. However, his performances in relief of starter Michael Vick and showings in preseason made Schaub a coveted player. The Falcons rebuffed trade inquiries about Schaub last season, with team owner Arthur Blank making it clear that he wanted an adequate backup should Vick get injured.
Schaub would have become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season and was free to sign with another team without the Falcons receiving compensation.
If Schaub is dealt, second-year Georgia product D.J. Shockley would move into the role as Vick's backup, although the Falcons likely would acquire a veteran backup with game experience.
Ironically, Houston starting quarterback David Carr could soon be available, since the acquisition of Schaub seemingly ends his tenure there after being the expansion franchise's first overall pick in 2002. Other free agent quarterbacks with extended NFL experience include Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Brooks, Jay Fiedler, Joey Harrington and Anthony Wright.
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Hard to believe the Falcons are this stupid. They were asking for a #1 and #3 pick .
How does that turn into moving up two positions.
Geez Louise. They will probably take that same Safety they were going to take at #10.
So Houston gets Schaub and the #10 pick.
Falcons get #8 and two second rounders.
It seems so stupid.
And then the Falcons still have Tote smoking Vick who will go down with injuries anytime the Falcons get behind and he dont feel like playing.
Who then comes in ? Joey Harrington ?
Maybe it wont go through. I got my fingers crossed.
the rat bastids.
Backup QB would go to Texans
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/21/07
In potentially the biggest move of the Falcons' offseason, backup quarterback Matt Schaub could be traded to Houston an exchange of first-round picks this season and two second-round picks, according to an NFL official with knowledge of the situation.
Houston and Atlanta were in deep discussions about a trade Wednesday, but a deal can not be finalized until Schaub, a restricted free agent, reaches an agreement on a new contract with Houston. The agreement is expected to be reached Thursday according to the official.
In the deal, the Falcons would move up two spots to No. 8 in the first round of April's NFL draft and receive Houston's second-round draft pick in each of the next two seasons. That would give Atlanta three of the top 44 selections (8th, 39th and 44th) in this season's draft to address several key areas. The Texans would move back two spaces in the draft to No. 10.
A trade of Schaub would free up $2.3 million in salary-cap space, which was occupied by the one-year free-agent tender the Falcons extended Schaub to retain his rights.
"Matt is a restricted free agent and he is entitled to visit any team and do what he may want to do," Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay responded to a question from the Journal-Constitution on a national conference call intended to discuss the agenda for next week's NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. "We've talked to a number of teams who have interest in Matt. Beyond that, that's about all I'm going to say."
Schuab and Joby Branion, who represents Schaub, could not be reached for comment.
Having several high selections in the draft could enable Atlanta to move up further in the draft or slide down and acquire more selections. However, with needs at nearly every position on defense, running back and the offensive line, the Falcons could stick with their current allotment, especially since they pick in the top half of all seven rounds.
Schaub, a third-round pick in 2004, started just two games in his three seasons with the Falcons, losing both. However, his performances in relief of starter Michael Vick and showings in preseason made Schaub a coveted player. The Falcons rebuffed trade inquiries about Schaub last season, with team owner Arthur Blank making it clear that he wanted an adequate backup should Vick get injured.
Schaub would have become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season and was free to sign with another team without the Falcons receiving compensation.
If Schaub is dealt, second-year Georgia product D.J. Shockley would move into the role as Vick's backup, although the Falcons likely would acquire a veteran backup with game experience.
Ironically, Houston starting quarterback David Carr could soon be available, since the acquisition of Schaub seemingly ends his tenure there after being the expansion franchise's first overall pick in 2002. Other free agent quarterbacks with extended NFL experience include Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Brooks, Jay Fiedler, Joey Harrington and Anthony Wright.
...........................................................
Hard to believe the Falcons are this stupid. They were asking for a #1 and #3 pick .
How does that turn into moving up two positions.
Geez Louise. They will probably take that same Safety they were going to take at #10.
So Houston gets Schaub and the #10 pick.
Falcons get #8 and two second rounders.
It seems so stupid.
And then the Falcons still have Tote smoking Vick who will go down with injuries anytime the Falcons get behind and he dont feel like playing.
Who then comes in ? Joey Harrington ?
Maybe it wont go through. I got my fingers crossed.
the rat bastids.
