I know we’ve had a lot of quarterback speculation, but this report out of the Houston Chronicle states that the Vikings are nearing a deal that would bring Houston Texans backup Sage Rosenfels to the Vikings for a fourth round draft choice.

From the article:

“The Texans and Minnesota are close to completing a trade that would send quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Vikings, possibly for a fourth-round draft choice.”

A deal close to completion for Sage?

This goes against what Childress said just a few days ago at the NFL Combine, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was just posturing on the part of the Vikings top brass. Of course, it wouldn’t surprise me if this is a false statement, and someone in the Texans organization leaked some suspect information. So far, I’ve only been able to find the information on the Houston Chronicle website, so take it for what you will.

It would be an interesting move that would mean the end of Gus Frerotte as a Viking, but it would definitely bring in competition for Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels wouldn’t be the clear cut starter, but you know what? I’d take it. For a fourth round choice, bring him on.

I’ll bring you more updates as I get them.

UPDATE:

ESPN’s NFC North Blogger Kevin Seifert had not heard anything. Happened to be in his weekly chat and I posed this question to him:

“Brett (Houston, TX): So says the Houston Chronicle: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6276358.html
Any truth to that? Sage Rosenchoppa/Rosenfels to the Vikings?

 Kevin Seifert: (1:44 PM ET ) I take that back. Wow. That comes as a surprise to me. A couple things jump out to me. The fact that he is available this year, and wasn’t last year, suggest the Texans aren’t as high on him. Rosenfels had a pretty uneven peformance last year.

But this doesn’t chance the overall picture. Rosenfels, I presume, will fill the Frerotte role and compete with Tarvaris Jackson in training camp. Tarvaris will be the favorite in that competition. ”

It’s news to Kevin Seifert, so again, take it for what you will. Possible, but no one’s heard anything but the Houston Chronicle as of now.

SECOND UPDATE:

From Judd Zulgad, Access Vikings:

“Sports Radio 610 out of Houston is reporting that the Vikings are offering a fifth-round pick and the Texans are seeking a third. They will probably settle on a fourth-rounder. Meanwhile, the station also reports the Vikings have offered a three-year, $9 million extension to Rosenfels.”

More info, looks to be legit. Nothing is finalized, however, it looks like both parties are willing to negotiate. Of course, we won’t know anything until free agency officially starts. Again, I’d take Sage to compete with Tarvaris. Whoever gets the job will have earned it in offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason. It’s not a move that will set the world on fire, but hey, it’s better than no moves at all.

Source: Houston Chronicle
Source: ESPN NFC North Blog Chat