The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Texans have real interest in pursuing Cassel.

Diehards Line: The quarterback opted out of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this offseason. New Texans HC Bill O'Brien was an assistant with the Patriots during Cassel's final two seasons in New England. As NFL.com suggests, chasing Cassel makes sense for the Texans, who will need a veteran presence once they dump Matt Schaub's contract. A reunion with O'Brien also would provide Cassel with his best chance to compete for a starting quarterback job in an offense with which he is familiar.