Minnesota acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Houston…
Minnesota acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Houston for the 122nd pick in the 2009 draft. The Texans used that fourth-round selection on tight end Anthony Hill, who played five games for Houston as a rookie. Rosenfels never took a regular-season snap for Minnesota, leaving Houston with the slightly better direct return.
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2009 4th round pick (122nd overall, Anthony Hill )
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Sage Rosenfels
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota traded a 2009 fourth-round selection, No. 122 overall, to Houston for quarterback Sage Rosenfels on February 27, 2009. The Texans later used the pick on tight end Anthony Hill. Minnesota was seeking experienced competition and insurance at quarterback, while Houston converted a veteran backup into a draft asset. Brett Favre's arrival later that year dramatically changed the role Rosenfels had been acquired to fill.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Rosenfels brought starting experience and familiarity with NFL offenses, but the Vikings never received regular-season production from him. Favre became the starter in 2009, Tarvaris Jackson remained in the quarterback room, and Rosenfels did not record a regular-season snap for Minnesota before being traded away the following year. His presence had some depth value during camp and the preseason, yet the fourth-round price did not translate into measurable game-day production for the Vikings.
Houston Texans Return
Houston used pick No. 122 on Anthony Hill. Hill's career was also limited: he appeared in five games for the Texans in 2009 and caught one pass for nine yards. The selection did not become a long-term starter or a meaningful offensive piece, so Houston did not turn the Rosenfels deal into a major draft success. Still, a fourth-round pick that produced at least some regular-season action gave the Texans a tangible return for a backup quarterback they chose to move.
Value in Hindsight
Neither side found a lasting contributor, which keeps this close. Minnesota paid a fourth-rounder for veteran quarterback depth but got no regular-season snaps from Rosenfels. Houston's chosen player also had a short tenure, yet the Texans converted an expendable reserve into a selection and received a small amount of direct playing time from that choice. The difference is real but minor, especially because both returns faded quickly.
Final Verdict
Houston wins narrowly, C+ to C. The Texans extracted a fourth-round asset and a little on-field production from Hill, while Rosenfels never appeared in a regular-season game for Minnesota. This was not a consequential victory for Houston, but its direct return was slightly stronger.