Last September, the Texans opted after only one game to give Matt Schaub a long-term contract. He pocketed $22 million in 2012, and the question after the season will become whether the Texans want to throw good money after a suddenly bad player.
Per a source with knowledge of the contract, the cap hit becomes somewhat manageable after the 2013 season. If the Texans designate Schaub as a post-June 1 cut, the cap charge in 2014 would be $3.5 million. In 2015, $7 million in dead money would apply.
The Texans also would avoid paying Schaub $10 million next season by cutting him, along with another $1 million in total per-game roster bonuses.
While it’s debatable whether T.J. Yates or Case Keenum would be as good as Schaub, either guy would be a better choice on a dollar-for-dollar basis. They each will make less than 10 percent next year of Schaub’s scheduled pay in 2014.
One of them could be in line for a raise, as soon as next season.