A familiar face is back inside the walls of Atlanta Falcons headquarters.
The Falcons have hired former quarterback Matt Schaub as a "football analyst," per the team. The two sides agreed to the deal on Aug. 2, and Schaub has been present at training camp in the days since.
Schaub, 42, was drafted by the Falcons in the third round back in 2004 and spent the first three seasons of his career with the organization, largely serving as a holder on kicks and backup passer, before being traded to the Houston Texans in the spring of 2007.
Across the next seven years, Schaub established himself as one of the most productive signal callers in Texans history, earning two Pro Bowl nods and setting franchise records in passes completed (1,951), passing yards (23,221), passing touchdowns (124), wins (46) and game-winning drives (14), among a laundry list of others.
Thereafter, Schaub joined the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens in a backup role before venturing back to Atlanta in 2016, where he held the same position behind Matt Ryan all the way through his retirement following the 2020 season.
During his five-year run as a backup, Schaub enjoyed two playoff appearances and set a franchise record in passes completed with 39 in a spot start against the Seattle Seahawks in 2019; it proved to be the final start of his career.
But now, Schaub is back where it all began, and has a chance to spread the wisdom he learned during his 17 years of playing to second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder as he enters his first season as Atlanta's starter.
The Falcons' quarterbacks coach is set to be offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, who's taking over after Charles London departed for the Tennessee Titans this spring, but it's possible that Schaub eventually slides into a similar role.
As such, this full-circle reunion appears to be a quality outcome for both sides, as Schaub gets to stay involved with the sport and perhaps kickstart a coaching career while the Falcons gain an insightful presence not long removed from his playing days.
Schaub's new role starts immediately, as the Falcons are set to begin the preseason this Friday against the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium - and for Schaub's analyst role - is set for 7 p.m. EST.
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