The Facts: The Texans can’t consummate their trade of Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings before 12:01 a.m. Friday, the start of the NFL year and the beginning of free agency. Once done, however, the Texans will receive a fourth-round draft pick from the Vikings.

Diehards Line:The Texans are trading Rosenfels because his contract would have expired after next season, and he would have left without compensation. The fourth-round pick gives them eight selections in the April 25-26 draft and also gives them some flexibility in case they want to try to move up rather than down. Without Rosenfels, the Texans will sign a veteran quarterback to back up Schaub. The fact that Minnesota tried to deal for Rosenfels this time last year (but came up short) is a good indication he'll be injected into the mix for a starting role.