FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- On Monday night, the football-watching world will get a chance to see the player the New York Jets once hoped would be their quarterback of the future.

Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans.

What, you thought it was a snarky reference to Mark Sanchez?

In 2006, the Jets were hot for Schaub, a promising young backup with the Atlanta Falcons. With Chad Pennington coming off his second shoulder operation, the Jets' new regime at the time -- general manager Mike Tannenbaum and coach Eric Mangini -- wanted a long-term solution at quarterback.

Matt Schaub has thrown for 99 touchdowns and just 53 interceptions in five-plus seasons with Houston. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Little-known fact: They targeted Schaub, offering defensive end John Abraham to the Falcons in a straight-up deal, Mangini revealed.

"We tried like hell to get him," Mangini said recently in a phone interview.

Schaub was playing behind Michael Vick and had started only two games in two seasons, but his potential intrigued the Jets. At the time, it seemed like a lopsided proposal. Not many teams would consider dealing a proven pass-rusher in his prime, but the Jets didn't want to commit to Abraham, who had the franchise tag, had some off-the-field issues and was seeking a monster contract.

The negotiations turned contentious. Eventually, the Jets traded Abraham to the Falcons for the 29th pick in the draft, which Atlanta acquired from the Denver Broncos. The Jets used the pick to draft Nick Mangold after trying unsuccessfully to deal it to the San Diego Chargers for running back Michael Turner -- another little-known fact.

It's hard to second-guess the move because Mangold is one of the top centers in the league, but what if?

What if Mangini had pried Schaub away from the Falcons? The alternate history probably would've unfolded like this:

Mangini said the Jets would've kept Pennington in 2006, which turned out to be a terrific year for him. In 2007, it probably would've been Pennington and Schaub. But by 2008, it would've been Schaub's show.

Which means there never would've been a trade for Brett Favre in 2008.

And there never would've been a need to draft Sanchez in 2009.

Chances are, Schaub would be playing quarterback for the Jets, not the undefeated Texans, on Monday night at MetLife Stadium.