WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh reportedly left Minnesota last night to contemplate his NFL future, and took a plane to LA. This bodes well for the Seahawks because if he were to sign with the Vikings, it would make sense for him to remain in Minnesota to have his press conference. He should be making his decision any moment now.
This is what Housh said during an ESPN interview about Minnesota a few days ago.
"If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage?" Houshmandzadeh said. "I'm going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield."UPDATE: Houshmandzadeh reportedly turns down Bengals offer. Is Seahawks signing imminent?
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Michael Steffes is back for the moment with his update on Houshmandzadeh. He suggest the Seahawks are signing players to fill needs before the draft to possibly take Stafford.
A franchise quarterback is the one need that is very, very rarely filled through free agency, but often filled with an early pick. The Hawks have one this year, but don't project themselves to have one again anytime soon. Plus, Stafford needs a couple years before he is ready to lead a team.
Others speculate Housh could be back with the Bengals, who have offered him a lucrative deal:
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the Bengals are offering a deal that exceeds the five-year, $35 million contract ($11 million guaranteed) the Giants gave wide receiver Plaxico Burress last September and the five-year, $33 million extension Pittsburgh gave Hines Ward. The Seahawks and Vikings are thought to be both offering three-year contracts, with Seattle coming in about $2 million higher than the Vikings.
Considering Houshmandzadeh turns 32 in September, the security of the Bengals deal might be too great to pass up. He also is being urged by Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer to remain with the team, according to an ESPN report.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
