Carr shopping?

Could there be a used Carr in the Vikings’ future?

The Houston Chronicle reported today that Texans general manager Rick Smith has heard from some teams regarding a trade for starting quarterback David Carr.

Smith refused to disclose which teams have called, but the Texans reportedly might be willing to accept as little as a fourth-round draft choice for Carr, 27, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2002 NFL draft.

The Texans paid $8 million last March to extend Carr’s contract for three years, but they are just 23-53 in five seasons in games he has played.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said at the end of the season that Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger would compete for the starting quarterback job in 2007, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that the team might bring in a veteran starter.

The NFL trading period begins March 2.

--Don Seeholzer