The Atlanta Falcons always need a backup plan just in case the unexpected happens to quarterback Matt Ryan.

Right now, recently re-signed veteran T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree provide the depth behind Ryan. But what if the Falcons could add a player familiar with new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme, a player such as one-time Falcon Matt Schaub?

Coach Dan Quinn didn't rule out the possibility when asked if Schaub might be a player the team could bring in to enhance the roster.

"Schaub is certainly somebody that we could [add]," Quinn said. "As we get through it, we'll let you know if we go down that road."

Schaub, who turns 34 in June, was released by Oakland a few weeks ago. He made $8 million in one season with the Raiders and lost his starting job to rookie Derek Carr.

Back in 2004, Schaub was a third-round pick of the Falcons out of Virginia. He played behind Michael Vick for three seasons, starting two games. Schaub was traded to Houston and started 88 games with the Texans. Shanahan was his quarterbacks coach in 2007 and his offensive coordinator for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. In '09, Schaub completed 396 of 583 passes for an NFL-leading 4,770 yards with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions en route to making the Pro Bowl.

Again, the Shanahan connection makes Schaub a viable option. Shanahan already has one of his former players in the fold in former Washington wide receiver Leonard Hankerson. He could have added another had tight end Niles Paul not re-signed with the Redskins.

Schaub no doubt realizes he has to accept a backup role at this point in his career. Of course, the Falcons are counting on Ryan to be as durable as he has been, starting every game over the last five seasons. Any thoughts of adding Schaub likely would come down to his asking price. The Falcons signed Yates -- once Schaub's backup in Houston -- to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million that included a $375,000 signing bonus. Renfree is due to make $585,000 this season.