Baltimore Ravens: Signing Matt Schaub would add depth

On Monday, SI.com stated that the Baltimore Ravens were one of three NFL teams interested in quarterback Matt Schaub. This interest shouldn’t shock any Ravens fan; they aren’t replacing Flacco as the starting quarterback, but rather to add some much-needed depth at the position.

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates a touchdown pass of the first half with wide receiver Steve Smith (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco is the clear starter in town. He’s impressed the Ravens organization during his 2008 Pro Day and took the league by storm since his rookie year. His first NFL start in ’08 came as a shock to many due to the Ravens losing Kyle Boller to a season-ending injury and Troy Smith going down with illness the week of the season’s opener.

Since that start against the Cincinnati Bengals, Flacco has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL and has accomplished much during his seven years in the league. With Flacco, the Ravens have made the playoffs in six of his seven seasons, the lone exception being 2003 when the team finished 8-8, Following the team’s Super Bowl season of 2012, Flacco (Super Bowl XLVII MVP) was given a new contract.

Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome speaks at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout his Ravens’ tenure, the team has been fortunate not to lose Flacco long-term (in fact, he’s never missed a start). But the veteran signal-caller turned 30 years old this year, so it would be wise of general manager Ozzie Newsome to have a contingency plan should he go down. Bringing in Matt Schaub would give Baltimore a proven player at the position and allow Flacco to continue to improve as a player.

Last year, the Houston Texans dealt their longtime starter to the Oakland Raiders for a sixth-round draft pick. But Schaub failed to beat out rookie Derek Carr for the starting job. He barely saw the field in 2014 and the Raiders released him this offseason.

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Now he’s on the open market and teams looking for a backup signal-caller have him on their radar. As for the Ravens, backup Tyrod Taylor didn’t see a lot of action with the Ravens since being drafted by the team in 2011 and wound signing with the Buffalo Bills. Schaub would be a big improvement over Taylor based on experience alone. While he has struggled in recent years, a veteran would give head coach John Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman a little piece of mind.

One thing is for sure: Signing Schaub would add quarterback depth and another veteran presence on a team that is relying more on younger players these days.

Next: Ozzie Newsome Has A Plan

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