Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
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Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans smiles during warmups for the game with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Houston Texans have had four quarterbacks surpass 10,000 career passing yards in their two-plus-decade history. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ current QB, joined David Carr, Deshaun Watson, and the franchise’s all-time leader, Matt Schaub.
Schaub has not played since the 2020 season, and he has not suited up for the Texans since the 2013 season.
However, Schaub’s next career move is also a first for a Texans QB, past or present.
Former NFL QB Matt Schaub Joining New Team
Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
GettyMatt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers.
Schaub entered the league as a third-round pick with the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 draft, but played 90 of his 155 career games in a Texans uniform. That includes 88 of his 93 starts. He also leads the franchise in games, passing attempts, touchdowns, and interceptions for QBs.
For his next act, Schaub is getting back into the league, albeit in a different capacity.
“The #Cardinals are expected to hire former NFL Pro Bowl QB Matt Schaub as a quarterbacks coach, sources tell @CBSSports,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on X on February 12. “Played in the NFL from 2004-20, made 93 career starts and led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards in 2009.”
Schaub is joining a familiar face in new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who was on the staff when the former QB was in Atlanta.
Matt Schaub a Texans Legend
Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
GettyMatt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans looks on during warm-ups before playing the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren noted that Shaub made history with his all-time franchise records, but it did not stop there.
“He led the NFL in passing yards in 2009 with 4,770, becoming the first Texans quarterback to do so and setting a franchise single-season record,” Warren wrote on February 13, adding that Schaub “also helped Houston reach the playoffs for the first time in 2011, although a foot injury cut short his season. He helped Houston return to the playoffs and win a wild-card game in 2012 before being traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2014.”
“Overall, the Texans went 46-42 with him as the starter, which ended during a disastrous 2013 season as he set an NFL record with interceptions returned for touchdowns in four consecutive games. But Schaub was the quarterback who ushered in the Texans’ first period of success and helped them escape the AFC cellar.”
The Texans have used 10 draft picks on QBs in their existence, including 2025 sixth-round selection Graham Mertz. Of those, four have been taken using the club’s top pick in the cycle, and three have been first-round picks.
Despite that investment, a trade pickup from an NFC rival tops the franchise’s passing charts.
The Texans may not have had the Super Bowl aspirations that Stroud’s groups do. His tenure still helped legitimize the franchise after they mishandled his predecessor, Carr.
Texans Past Looms Large
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans greets fans before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Schaub’s ascension came as the Texans prepared to cut ties with Carr, which they did. It is a noteworthy scenario as the Texans enter a potentially pivotal offseason with Stroud and his backup, Davis Mills.
Stroud is the Texans’ starter, and seemingly remains unquestioned.
However, he is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is due for a costly extension. It could happen as soon as this offseason.
Likewise, Mills is entering the final year of his contract. Mills has accepted his role behind Stroud, but played well in his teammate’s absence this past season. Mills could even draw trade interest this offseason.
The Texans have invested more in and around Stroud.
Whether the Texans truly feel like continuing on that path or pivoting remains to be seen. Still, their rise with Schaub at the helm is a reminder that pedigree and production often differ.