Might end up being a pretty smart move by Rasmus. That is surely more per year than he would have received per year in a multi-year deal. If he has a typical Colby Rasmus year next year it is doubtful the deal he'll get next offseason will be much different than what he'd have gotten this year. If he exceeds that though he stands to gain money.
There is risk though. If he gets a bad injury or totally shits the bed next year he is going to regret taking the qualifying. A classic 'betting on yourself' move and he also gets to stay in Houstin for another season. He really seemed to like being there as a part of that team this past season.