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The free-agent signing period rolls on, but the focus again -- for a second straight day -- is on Houston, where the deal sending Matt Schaub from Atlanta to the Texans became official and comments by team officials -- not to mention his contract -- leave no doubt about his role this season.

The Texans introduced Schaub at a news conference on Thursday, saying he will replace David Carr as the team's No. 1 starter.

And the contract?

According to Houston Chronicle beat writer John McClain, Schaub signed a six-year deal worth $48 million, including $7 million guaranteed. He will make $20 million over the first three years.

If the Texans want to keep Schaub for the last three years of the deal, they will pay him the $10 million option bonus in March 2010.

McClain went on to point out the Texans wanted Schaub bad enough to pay a heavy price.

They agreed to swap first-round positions in April's NFL draft, which means the Falcons will have the eighth pick and the Texans the 10th selection. The Texans also sent Atlanta a second-round pick this season and another second-round choice in 2008.

But there's more. ... It's hard not to factor in the $8 million option bonus handed to Carr last March, an option that extended his contract for three more years.

As McClain suggested, head coach Gary Kubiak, general manager Rick Smith and owner Bob McNair obviously believe Schaub will be worth it.

So why is that?

As Associated Press sports writer Kristie Rieken noted last night, even though most agree that Schaub, who will turn 26 in June, has potential, it could be tough for him to move into a full-time starting role.

Especially with a team with protection issues like the Texans.

A third-round pick in 2004, he hasn't started a game since 2005 and threw just 27 passes last season. In fact, the 6-5, 237 pounder has completed 84 of 161 (52.2 percent) career attempts for 1,033 yards and six touchdowns. He also has thrown six interceptions. His passer rating is 69.2.

And as Chronicle staffer Jerome Solomon blogged last night: "Often, guys who sit on the bench but look good in reserve situations are just that -- guys who look good in reserve situations."

Schaub even acknowledged today that his lack of experience is a weakness he'll have to overcome.

"There are going to be a lot more things as the starter that you have to do and handle on a day-to-day basis, as opposed to being the backup," Schaub said. "It's just a matter of knowing that going in and meeting it head-on."

But according to McClain, three coaches Kubiak likes and respects -- Alex Gibbs, Bill Musgrave and Al Groh -- helped convince the Texans that Schaub was worth pursuing.

Gibbs, the Falcons' former offensive line coach, worked with Kubiak at Denver for years. Musgrave, who played quarterback for Kubiak at Denver, was the Falcons' quarterbacks coach last season. Groh, a longtime NFL coach, was Schaub's head coach at Virginia.

Gibbs, Musgrave and Groh praised Schaub's ability, leadership skills, intensity and competitiveness. All are convinced that, given a starting job with some talented players surrounding him, Schaub can be a consistent winner in the NFL.

They're not alone.

Several other teams, including Oakland, were also interested in Schaub. And despite his rather pedestrian statistical output to date, McClain notes that a number of coaches who have watched him in the regular season and preseason have been impressed.

Chronicle columnist Richard Justice is also on board. "This is a terrific day for the Texans," Justice wrote this morning. "Schaub has more physical tools than any quarterback they could have acquired in free agency or the draft. He would surprise almost no one by becoming a star.

"About all he hasn't done is prove he's the real deal."

In a blog entry posted shortly after the deal was first reported, McClain reported speaking with several people who have been close observers of Schaub's first three years with the Falcons. He asked them about Schaub's intangibles. Per McClain, here's the consensus:

"Schaub is a popular player who is polite and genuine. He can tell a joke and take a joke. He's a hard worker who spends a lot of time at the training facility. He spends a lot of time with his teammates. He gets along with offensive and defensive players."

The recurring theme in their comments was that Schaub believes that camaraderie builds chemistry and he's willing to put in the effort required to be a big-time quarterback in the NFL.

It's also worth noting that one of Kubiak's former quarterbacks -- one who some contend wanted Schaub's job for himself, Jake Plummer, also highly recommended Kubiak to Schaub.

And finally, a round of golf Monday in Newport Beach, Calif., helped convince Kubiak and Schaub they were made for each other.

Smith is sold, too.

"This player is what an NFL quarterback should be," he said of Schaub. "He's a leader. He's a strong, smart accurate passer. As we looked at the market and assessed how to get better at the position, we entertained a lot of ideas.

"At the end of the day, the acquisition we've made today is perfect for us."

Of course, trading for Schaub, who will be backed by Sage Rosenfels and Bradlee Van Pelt, will hasten Carr's exit after five seasons as the Texans' starter.

Smith said the Texans are trying to trade Carr, the starter since the franchise's inception.

"We're working with his representatives and David to find a place for him to continue his NFL career," the GM said at Schaub's introductory presser. "Matt is our starting quarterback. We're trying to help David find another place. We're trying to trade him today, maybe the next couple of days. ..."

It should be noted that trading Carr has been more difficult than the Texans anticipated. His base salaries of $5.5 million this year and $6 million in 2008 are making teams leery of trading for him. If no team makes an offer, the Texans will have no choice but to waive Carr, which would free him to sign with any team.

The Dolphins, where former Texans head coach Dom Capers is now defensive coordinator, has been mentioned prominently since news of the Schaub trade came to light. The Minnesota Vikings are another potential suitor -- or not.

As St. Paul Pioneer Press staffer Sean Jensen reported a short time ago, based on a morning appearance on KFAN Radio, Vikings head coach Brad Childress would seem to have little interest in trading for Carr.

"David Carr is a tremendous person," Childress said. "I always struggled with where his release came from. It's kind of a drop-down, three-quarter release. ... He can make some of the throws; he can't make all the throws."

Whatever the case, one thing is clear: The Carr era in Houston is coming to an end and the Schaub era is beginning.