Texans Introduce Schaub As Starting QB

By CHRIS DUNCAN

HOUSTON – The Houston Texans introduced quarterback Matt Schaub at a news conference on Thursday, saying he will replace David Carr as the team’s starter.

The Texans acquired Schaub, a restricted free agent, in a trade with Atlanta. The teams also swapped first-round picks in the upcoming draft – the Falcons now have the eighth pick and the Texans dropped to No. 10. Atlanta also received second-round picks in the next two drafts.

"This is another exciting moment in the history of the Texans," said owner Bob McNair, flanked at a podium by Schaub, coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith. "Winning is all about getting better every day and that’s what we’re trying to do."

Smith said the Texans are trying to trade Carr, the starter since the franchise’s inception. Carr completed 60 percent of his passes in five seasons, but also threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times.

"We’re working with his representatives and David to find a place for him to continue his NFL career," Smith said. "Matt is our starting quarterback. We’re trying to help David find another place. We’re trying to trade him today, maybe the next couple of days."

A message was left seeking comment from Mike Sullivan, Carr’s agent.

Schaub, who turns 26 in June, has backed up Michael Vick in Atlanta for the past three seasons. He’s started only two games and threw only 27 passes in 2006.

Schaub said he was sold on the Texans during a round of golf he played with Kubiak on Monday.

"The thing he told me was he was going to do what it takes to be successful, as an offensive team, especially," Schaub said. "It’s just an incredible opportunity for me to take the next step in my career, leading a team and running the huddle."

Schaub acknowledged that his lack of experience is a weakness he’ll have to overcome.

"There are going to be a lot more things as the starter that you have to do and handle on a day-to-day basis, as opposed to being the backup," Schaub said. "It’s just a matter of knowing that going in and meeting it head-on."

Schaub was a restricted free agent before the deal. The Texans confirmed he has signed a new contract but did not release the terms.

Schaub entered the league through the same draft as Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers and J.P. Losman. Kubiak said the Texans grabbed Schaub just as he’s starting to blossom.

"We wanted a player who’s ready to go into his prime and that’s what this young man is," Kubiak said. "This guy is ready for his opportunity to run a football team. We’re catching him at the perfect time. We could walk across that field today and take us out of the huddle."

Carr, who turns 28 in July, was the Texans’ first-ever draft pick in 2002. The Texans expected Carr to flourish this season under Kubiak, an offensive guru, but Carr disappointed, finishing with more interceptions (12) than TDs (11) for the first time since 2003.

The Texans have never had a winning record, finishing 6-10 in 2006.

McNair said he had a cordial conversation with Carr on Wednesday.

"We have to be objective – it’s all about winning games," McNair said. "When he have the opportunity to get better, we have to do that. David understands that."

Carr has two years left on his contract that will pay him about $11.5 million over the next two seasons.

"We’re hopeful he will continue his NFL career and be successful," Smith said of Carr.

Before landing Schaub, Houston tried to sign Jeff Garcia and Patrick Ramsey before the two joined other teams. The Texans also reportedly were pursuing Jake Plummer, who retired.

The Falcons took Schaub in the third round of the 2004 draft. The 6-foot-5 Schaub set school records at Virginia for pass completions (716), passing yards (7,502) and touchdown throws (56).

"This player is what an NFL quarterback should be," Smith said. "He’s a leader. He’s a strong, smart accurate passer. As we looked at the market and assessed how to get better at the position, we entertained a lot of ideas.

"At the end of the day, the acquisition we’ve made today is perfect for us."

Carr had similarly glowing numbers at Fresno State when the Texans chose him with the first pick in 2002. Carr has tossed 23 interceptions and been sacked 109 times over the past two seasons, and the Texans have gone 8-24.

Houston also has quarterbacks Sage Rosenfels, Bradlee Van Pelt and Quinton Porter on its roster.