Texans Trade Rumors

"If Minnesota signs veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte to back up Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels will not be traded to the Vikings."

"With the Houston Texans apparently intent on keeping QB Sage Rosenfels, indications are strong today that the Vikings are nearing an agreement with free agent QB Gus Frerotte."

"The Packers have not ruled out adding a veteran unrestricted free agent such as Craig Nall or Tim Rattay or making a bid for restricted free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick of Cincinnati. But 36-year-old Gus Frerotte, who visited the Packers, is headed to Minnesota, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and chances of acquiring Houston's Sage Rosenfels are minimal given the Texans' demands. There's still a possibility Buffalo's Losman will become available in a trade, but if the Packers were interested they would have made a move by now."

"The Texans came to South Florida reading and hearing about the Vikings' possible renewed interest in quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but one day into the NFL spring meetings, the two sides had not spoken. The Texans did re-sign safety C.C. Brown, a third-year restricted free agent, and offensive tackle Brandon Frye, a second-year exclusive rights player, to one-year deals."

"The Vikings' top choice is clear: Rosenfels. In fact, they made him one of their top offseason priorities and considered his acquisition no less important than that of receiver Bernard Berrian or safety Madieu Williams... Buffalo's J.P. Losman is another veteran who might be available via trade, but Rosenfels is widely known as a strong character player (he's an Iowan, after all) and a perfect fit for the West Coast offense."

"The Texans continue to target one of their biggest areas of need — the secondary — in free agency. The Texans are expected to add another former Denver Broncos player to their roster by signing safety Nick Ferguson, 33, as early as today."

"Coach Gary Kubiak insists the signing of free-agent quarterback Quinn Gray does not increase the likelihood of Sage Rosenfels being traded."

"Barring unforeseen complications, former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray will sign a one-year deal for $645,000 with the Texans today, giving them three veterans at the most important position on the team."

"The Texans cannot and must not trade Sage Rosenfels. It's not even a close call."

"The Texans are close to an agreement with punter Matt Turk, who could re-sign with the team as early as today."

"After signing cornerback Jacques Reeves, linebacker Kevin Bentley, running back Chris Brown and linebacker Chaun Thompson, the Texans still are interested in Denver center Chris Myers and Detroit defensive end Corey Smith."

"While they were entertaining Atlanta free safety Chris Crocker and Tampa Bay center John Wade on Tuesday, the Texans reached an agreement on a two-year contract with free safety Will Demps."

"If the Packers decide to trade, Houston's Sage Rosenfels, 29, might be the most attractive candidate. Such a move probably would cost a second-to-fourth round pick."

"Running back Warrick Dunn is on the Texans' radar. Dunn, 33, was released by Atlanta on Monday and went straight to Tampa Bay, where he visited with the Buccaneers."

"So, Ahman Green's not an old enough running back for you? How about Warrick Dunn, who is two years older. My buddy Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated says the Texans are a possible stop for the Falcons tailback, who has asked to be released on Sunday."

"Offensive lineman Rex Hadnot made it clear Friday night his visit with the Texans wasn't just because of its close proximity to his alma mater. But that is a bonus... The Texans also entertained Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves (5-11, 188) Friday."

"The Texans must hold onto QB Sage Rosenfels even though Minnesota's offer of a third-round pick is fair value. Problem is, there's still too much uncertainty about Matt Schaub's ability to stay healthy."

"If Schaub is what they think he is - all indications are if he stays healthy (key word) he is going to be an above average quarterback who puts up Pro Bowl numbers in a couple of years - Rosenfels isn't as vital as the Texans are making him out to be."

"Those figures pale in comparison to the numbers the Vikings were preparing for receiver Bernard Berrian, who arrived Friday in the Twin Cities, and defensive end Justin Smith - whom the Vikings hoped to lure for a visit today... Those decisions left the Vikings facing more trade talks with Houston - or possibly Buffalo for J.P. Losman."

"The Dolphins are also close to locking up Texans outside linebacker Charlie Anderson, a 6-4, 245-pounder who had 31 tackles and two sacks last season... According to another source, the Dolphins also agreed to terms with Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, a 6-foot-2, 250-pounder who had 39 tackles in parts of 16 games for the Super Bowl champions last season."

" The Saints called and expressed interest in trading for tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Giants are not shopping Shockey and they declined to discuss any trade. Shockey is coming off surgery on his leg and ankle and could not at the moment pass a physical. The Giants have some interest in Seahawks running back/kick returner Alvin Pearman. They also could be interested in a similar player, Maurice Hicks of the 49ers, and possibly two veterans, CB Jason Webster (Bills) and DE N.D. Kalu (Texans)."

"Former University of Houston offensive lineman Rex Hadnot will visit Reliant Stadium today, as well as Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves... The Texans also must deal with inquiries from the Minnesota Vikings about backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels. "

"The Vikings also were attempting to arrange visits with Cincinnati safety Madieu Williams and Philadelphia fullback Thomas Tapeh. In addition, they were working on multiple fronts to add a backup quarterback, discussing trades for Houston's Sage Rosenfels and Buffalo's J.P. Losman and also expressing interest in free agent Josh McCown."

"The Vikings are expected to make a strong push to host Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian and Cincinnati Bengals safety Madieu Williams, as well a defensive end, perhaps Bobby McCray of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Vikings also reportedly offered a third-round pick for Houston backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but the Texans were not interested."

"The Cowboys are not ruling out a return for Jacques Reeves, who will likely visit the Houston Texans today and is coveted in Miami. The Cowboys are rethinking their position on Reeves, especially considering they might be priced out of the market for top free-agent cornerbacks. The Cowboys have interest in San Diego free-agent cornerback Drayton Florence, but Florence is seeking a starting salary."

"Andre' Davis will generate the most buzz from teams needing depth at receiver and a kickoff returner. He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns last season and was solid at receiver, especially when Andre Johnson missed seven games with a knee injury."

"Just how important is free agency going to be for the Texans this year? The Texans have more cap space than it had a year ago, but isn't going to risk getting themselves in future trouble by signing a big-name, risky player."

"If the Texans could sign a free agent to start opposite Bennett, they wouldn't have so much pressure to select a cornerback with their No. 1 pick. But they won't get New England's Asante Samuel, who wants $30 million guaranteed. They probably won't be in the running for San Diego's Drayton Florence, who's price is going to skyrocket beyond his wildest dreams."

"There are reports around Oakland that former Longhorns safety Michael Huff is on the trading block. With the draft full of offensive tackles and cornerbacks, the Texans will be looking for safeties in free agency. Anyone want to see Huff become a Texan?"

"On a day in which they lined up a visit with free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas after the Indianapolis scouting combine, the Texans saved more than $8 million under the salary cap by releasing center Mike Flanagan, tight end Jeb Putzier, linebacker Shawn Barber and center Drew Hodgdon."

"All those in favor of the Texans getting rid of receiver/kickoff returner Jerome Mathis raise your hand. Wow, that's too many to count."

"Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas' first stop on his free-agent tour was New England, where the AFC East rival Patriots hosted Thomas on Monday, according to a source. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and the Dolphins' all-time leading tackler, who was released last week, is also scheduled to meet with the Saints today... There's also speculation at least four other teams (Houston, Denver, Buffalo and the Jets) have expressed interest in talking to Thomas, but he's stressed a preference to play for a contender with an established quarterback."

"A lot of fans are hoping Smith and Kubiak will pursue New England cornerback Asante Samuel, who will be an unrestricted free agent. It's not going to happen."

"The Texans should approach the draft and free agency as if Robinson won't return in 2008. Von Hutchins, who filled in nicely, is a free agent, too. In other words, they must get a cornerback in free agency or the first round or both."

"The Dolphins could address the receiver position by pursuing free agents such as Chicago's Bernard Berrian, Arizona's Bryant Johnson, Houston's Andre Davis and Oakland's Jerry Porter... A likely target could be Dallas tackle Flozell Adams, an unrestricted free agent."

"Rhodes, who was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, is interviewing with the Texans on Thursday, and if everything goes as expected, he'll be hired to fill the position vacated by Martin Bayless, the assistant defensive backs coach whose contract was not renewed."

"The Texans should have these primary goals during the offseason: reducing 38 turnovers and a minus-13 turnover ratio, improving the running game, finding another outside pass rusher to take the pressure off Mario Williams and acquiring at least one and perhaps two cornerbacks who can play from day one."

"Now that it is almost official that running back Darren McFadden is going to enter the 2008 NFL Draft, I keep hearing people say the Texans need to draft him. Sure, he is a great running back. And if the Texans were coming off a 2-14 season, it would seem as much of a no-brainer as drafting Reggie Bush back in 2006."

"For the second time since he became the Texans' coach in 2006, Gary Kubiak is pursuing Alex Gibbs. Kubiak is hoping to hire Gibbs, a longtime NFL offensive line coach, as assistant head coach in place of Mike Sherman, who left to become the head coach at Texas A&M."

"Alex Gibbs, who is one of the best offensive line coaches in NFL history, is close to being reunited with Kubiak, his protégé. Kubiak disclosed Tuesday that he's trying to convince Gibbs to come out of his one-year retirement and become the Texans' new assistant head coach."

"Of the restricted free agents, obviously, the Texans want back Brown and Maddox because they are vital to the defense. But here's what I want to know: If they re-sign Andre Davis as a receiver and kick returner, do you think they should re-sign Mathis?"

"The timing of Andre Davis' two kickoff returns for touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars couldn't have come at a better time for him. It couldn't be any worse for the Texans' front office. Davis is an unrestricted free agent, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason."

"A lot of Texans fans are suggesting the team trade quarterback Sage Rosenfels for a second-round draft choice, but it's not going to happen."

"Davis is hardly the only one trying to secure a spot for next season. Turnover has been rapid on the Texans since Kubiak took over after the 2005 season."

"Former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell will be one of the candidates to replace Mike Sherman as the Texans' offensive coordinator next season."

"If I'm McNair and I'm sick of losing and I know fans are sick of losing and I know there'll again be thousands of empty seats this afternoon at Reliant Stadium, I'd certainly be tempted to call Bill Cowher or Marty Schottenheimer."

"I'm voting for an impact running back. Until the Texans can run the ball consistently, they won't be able to protect Matt Schaub or be productive on offense. However..."

"They plan to sign guard Mike Brisiel from the practice squad to the active roster this week, and re-sign center/guard Drew Hodgdon, who spent two seasons with the Texans before being cut Aug. 31."

"Texas A&M has scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. today to introduce Mike Sherman as the school's new head football coach, replacing Dennis Franchione, who resigned after the Aggies beat archrival Texas on Friday."

" Assuming there are no unforeseen snags, Mike Sherman is expected to be named the next head football coach at Texas A&M University, multiple sources told The Dallas Morning News on Sunday."

"Houston Texans assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Sherman will be selected the new Texas A&M head coach, according to a source at the university."

"Texas A&M is expected to introduce Mike Sherman as its new head football coach at an 11 a.m. press conference today."

"Now, Mike Sherman is a leading candidate to become the next head coach at Texas A&M. Sherman, who also is Gary Kubiak's assistant head coach, might not have graduated from A&M, but after coaching two times under R.C. Slocum, he qualifies as an honorary Aggie."

"Houston Texans offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Sherman is believed to be the leading candidate to replace Dennis Franchione, people familiar with the process said Saturday. An announcement of Franchione's replacement could come early this week."

"It'd probably be the longest of long shots, but here's an idea for the successor to Dennis Franchione. Gary Kubiak."

"Because of the speculation surrounding Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione's job, coach Gary Kubiak was asked Monday if he would be interested in coaching the Aggies."

"Houston debuted this season with seven new offensive starters, including quarterback Matt Schaub, who has played relatively well in his first season as a starter. But Schaub left Sunday's game with Tennessee early with a sore back, hip, leg and thigh. He is considered somewhere between probable and questionable for this game. His backup, Sage Rosenfels, passed for 249 yards and four TDs in the fourth quarter alone last week, but also committed four turnovers."

"Though some have wondered whether the Dolphins will trade veterans before the Oct. 16 trade deadline, the idea of dealing Jason Taylor has not been discussed internally...(Ricky Williams) hopes to generate interest from, in particular, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Dallas, Houston or New England, assuming Miami dumps him."

"A Texans fan who calls himself Muddy suggested Monday that general manager Rick Smith should trade their first-round pick to Atlanta for disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall."

"The Texans will bring in some guys to workout and see which one fits their scheme better. I'm not sure if former Patriot Artrell Hawkins has been picked up, but I'd say he would be a guy that could fit in at safety."

"In an attempt to salvage something of their free agent swing and miss on veteran Marquand Manuel, the Green Bay Packers have been offering the safety in a trade... Among the teams that might have interest in a safety are Houston, Jacksonville, Buffalo, Carolina and Miami."

"Speculation continues that the Chiefs are attempting to trade backup safety Greg Wesley, possibly to Houston."

"Free-agent receiver Robert Ferguson arrived in his hometown a day later than he wanted because of bad weather in Chicago. Ferguson, 27, who was waived by Green Bay last week, is taking a physical today and working out for the Texans... The Texans spoke to the Chiefs about a possible trade for veteran safety Greg Wesley, an eight-year veteran who lost his starting job in camp."

"Wide receiver Robert Ferguson, who was cut by Green Bay on Friday, is headed to Houston, where he will undergo a physical by the Texans on Monday."

"Reserve safety Greg Wesley, a starter for the last seven seasons, could be traded soon to the Chiefs’ opening-day opponent, the Houston Texans... The Chiefs had talked to the Denver Broncos about a deal involving Wesley, but the Chiefs were hesitant about sending him to a team they will play twice this season."

"The Texans are interested in veteran receiver Robert Ferguson, who was placed on waivers by the Packers on Friday."

"The most interested team appeared to be the Houston Texans, whose assistant head coach is former Packers coach and general manager Mike Sherman, the man most influential in Ferguson's selection in the second round in 2001. However, according to Overstreet, the Packers also talked to the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills."

"The Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills all expressed an interest in Ferguson, but there was little reason for any of those teams to give up a player or pick for him because the Packers had made it clear they would release Ferguson if he wasn't dealt, given the emergence of Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday in the fourth- and fifth-receiver spots."

"So, no team was willing to give up anything for Ferguson that the Packers wanted. Houston, where former Packers coach Mike Sherman is an assistant head coach, was among the clubs talking to the Packers about a deal and remains a strong candidate to sign him."