As expected, the Raiders have parted ways with quarterback Matt Schaub, terminating his contract, the team announced today (via Twitter). As a veteran player, Schaub won’t have to clear waivers before becoming an unrestricted free agent, and will have the opportunity to immediately sign elsewhere.
Schaub, 33, was acquired by the Raiders in a trade with the Texans last offseason, but lost out on the starting quarterback job to rookie Derek Carr, and served as the No. 2 option in Oakland. After new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave brought former Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder in last week to back up Carr, Schaub’s release was viewed as inevitable.
Schaub had been set to earn a $5.5MM base salary for the 2015 season, but by releasing him, the Raiders will clear that entire amount from their books. As for the veteran signal-caller, he should have some backup opportunities around the league now that he’s not tied to that $5.5MM cap hit.