A year ago the Oakland Raiders signed Matt Flynn with idea that he would be the team's franchise quarterback. After showing promise with as a backup with the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback signed a deal worth $6.5 million in guaranteed money. Flynn played in two games before getting released. That contract still haunts the team a year later, leaving Dennis Allen to defend the contract Matt Schaub is currently signed to.
The Raiders traded for Schaub with the hopes the veteran could finally provide some stability to the quarterback position. The Raiders gave him $8 million in guaranteed money and now need to hope to Schaub repays them for the investment. With rookie Derek Carr hot on his tail, early reports of Schaub are positive.
"I think he's been outstanding," Allen said, via CSNBayArea.com. "That's what you're looking for in a veteran quarterback. I don't think we've seen the best of what we're going to see out of Matt Schaub. Even though he is a veteran player, it's still a different offense for him, it's still something new. He's still learning, but I've been very pleased with what I've seen out of him so far."
Schaub has been named the starter heading into training camp, but many NFL sources believe Carr stands a chance at earning the job if he plays well. The Raiders will do everything they can to avoid that. However, Schaub's career was assumed over after a disastrous season with the Texans. Allen is simply trusting that he can return to form in a new setting. Schaub believes right now he is doing a good job at meeting those expectations.
"You know, I feel good, given where we are in the offseason progression, coming in a little over two months ago, and where we're at as an offense," Schaub said. "It's a continuing process and each day, we're just trying to get a little bit better and pick out a few things to work on from the day before. It's a never-ending thing, just continuing to get better. But I feel good out there. I feel good in the huddle. I feel good about what we're trying to accomplish offensively."
In the end, Allen and general manager Reggie McKenzie's jobs are on the line. They need the quarterback best suited to win on the field. Guaranteed money or not, if Carr turns out to be the better option, Schaub will sent to the bench.
