Housh wants deal by Saturday (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

Updated: 2-27-09 6 a.m.

Contacted in the second hour of free agency Friday, Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't want to elaborate on his interview on ESPN, but he did say that he could be on a plane Friday and that the Bengals are still in the mix. He said Thursday night he wants a deal by Saturday night no matter where.

Houshmandzadeh told the network he's most interested in playing for the Giants, Eagles, Seahawks, and Vikings. Other teams linked with him are Tampa Bay and Tennessee.

The deal to keep an eye on seems to be the one Houshmandzadeh mentioned last week in Indianapolis, the $8 million per year inked by Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams.

Houshmandzadeh said on Thursday his agent had been talking to the Bengals but not enough to take him off the market

***snip***

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=7530

That's by Geoff Hobson a good longtime Bengals reporter and it's awesome that he's posting at 6am

 

[CentralPA]

The Eagles probably are in the best position to get him but will tehy spend the money (with over 40 million under the cap I would hope so).

 

[Tanner9919]

it was talked about on WFAN-NY last night,that the Giants are said to be one of the top 3 teams who've shown an interested in Housh..

 

[ScottyFargo]

I read he's visiting the Seahawks first, and if they don't sign him, the Vikings soon after.

I don't think the Vikings will want to spend the $$ on him, but I think Housh opposite Berrian with Adrian in the backfield and a non-Tarvaris Jackson QB throwing to 'em would be a dream.

 

[TheFanatic]

I read he's visiting the Seahawks first, and if they don't sign him, the Vikings soon after. I don't think the Vikings will want to spend the $$ on him, but I think Housh opposite Berrian with Adrian in the backfield and a non-Tarvaris Jackson QB throwing to 'em would be a dream.

As a Housh owner in a couple of leagues, I the Vikes are at the bottom of the list of the teams he listed. Seattle? NFC West!?!? That's the money play. Even without Tarvaris, I think that the Vikes are going to be a run first team.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

Jay Glazer said that he's in Seattle now.

 

[KCC]

I read he's visiting the Seahawks first, and if they don't sign him, the Vikings soon after.

I don't think the Vikings will want to spend the $$ on him, but I think Housh opposite Berrian with Adrian in the backfield and a non-Tarvaris Jackson QB throwing to 'em would be a dream.

As a Housh owner in a couple of leagues, I the Vikes are at the bottom of the list of the teams he listed. Seattle? NFC West!?!? That's the money play. Even without Tarvaris, I think that the Vikes are going to be a run first team.

I absolutely agree with that, but I also think that they currently are the most one-dimensional offense in the entire NFL and for them to have such an outstanding running game and great defense but still lose in the first round of the playoffs probably puts them in a position where they are desperately looking for the missing piece of a championship puzzle. I see them as being a strong player in the push-for-Housh bidding war. Anyone know how much cap space Minnesota has?

 

[ScottyFargo]

I read he's visiting the Seahawks first, and if they don't sign him, the Vikings soon after.

I don't think the Vikings will want to spend the $$ on him, but I think Housh opposite Berrian with Adrian in the backfield and a non-Tarvaris Jackson QB throwing to 'em would be a dream.

As a Housh owner in a couple of leagues, I the Vikes are at the bottom of the list of the teams he listed. Seattle? NFC West!?!? That's the money play. Even without Tarvaris, I think that the Vikes are going to be a run first team.

I absolutely agree with that, but I also think that they currently are the most one-dimensional offense in the entire NFL and for them to have such an outstanding running game and great defense but still lose in the first round of the playoffs probably puts them in a position where they are desperately looking for the missing piece of a championship puzzle. I see them as being a strong player in the push-for-Housh bidding war. Anyone know how much cap space Minnesota has?

About 30 mill, before the Rosenfel trade, Mitchell signing, raising of the cap, so give or take 5 I guess. I already read a report (Childress Presser) that the Vikings aren't planning any FA visits any time soon so Housh may or may not just bypass 'em on his way east to talk to Philly and NYG. I don't see why they wouldn't spend some money there, either, KCC, would really open things up.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

 

[fruity pebbles]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

Me too. Eagles havent shown any interest at all.

 

[travdogg]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

 

[jasvic]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

 

[travdogg]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

Its kinda funny, I think that same way about the Giants.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

I am one of the few Eagles fans who is quite happy with our WR core. I would much rather see the $$ spent elsewhere.

 

[TheFanatic]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

Its kinda funny, I think that same way about the Giants.

Yeah, no history of spending money on a big name FA WR...

 

[EBF]

I don't think he makes sense for the Eagles. Curtis and Jackson are good receivers. A possession guy would be a nice addition, but the benefit he'd add to the team isn't worth the money they'd have to spend to get him. They're better off investing that money elsewhere.

Seattle makes a lot of sense since they basically have no one at WR besides an injured Burleson and a perpetually injured Branch.

 

[GoBirds]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

I am one of the few Eagles fans who is quite happy with our WR core. I would much rather see the $$ spent elsewhere.

we have $40 mil under the cap, which other players do you see out there to take up that space? Is there any point going into another season $10-15 mil under the cap?

 

[TankRizzo]

I am one of the few Eagles fans who is quite happy with our WR core. I would much rather see the $$ spent elsewhere.

How about not spending the money at all? The Eagles are good at that too. Housh sure couldn't hurt.

 

[ninerfan]

T.J. can probably scratch the Eagles off of his list.

http://blogs.nbcsports.com/home/archives/2...ake-a-hike.html

 

[QuizGuy66]

T.J. can probably scratch the Eagles off of his list.

http://blogs.nbcsports.com/home/archives/2...ake-a-hike.html

As the ever-hopeful Bengal fan I'm genuninely intrigued by how all this is going with TJ. Seems like his folks have been mucking it up a bit - I now give my Who Deys a punchers chance of keeping him (probably like 10% or so).Given that Seattle had a worse '08 than us while playing in a painfully weak division, a TJ signing there would show it's been a straight money play all along.

-QG

 

[Bri]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

 

[Sweetness_34]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

So you want the Saints to sign him when they have Colston and Moore already? Geez.....why would you not want your team to invest in D? Your D is so horrible that your top 5 O still cannot contend without it. On the road, your O gets hammered trying to keep up with the points scored by the opponent.

 

[houndirish]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

You really think Philly isn't a possibility? Seems like that's where he wants to be the most.

I don't think they're going to spend the money he'll command...to which I agree with.

Its kinda funny, I think that same way about the Giants.

Yeah, no history of spending money on a big name FA WR...

Actually when the Giants signed Plax they hardly paid a heavy price. If you recall, there weren't a lot of suitors for Burress. Plax's agent tried to use the Giants to drive the price up and Accorsi responded by pulling the offer. About a week later, Plax's agent came slinking back and the deal got done but it was hardly a bank breaker.I agree with what's already been stated that the G-Men likely won't make an aggressive play for Housh. He's not the type of receiver they need. They have reliable third down possession receivers. Housh isn't going to draw a doubleteam, and he's likely on his way out of his prime, into into it. TJ's penchant for trying to drive up his own value in free agency by making dopey claims to the press isn't going to help his cause with Reese or Coughlin either. IMHO he's a far better fit on the Eagles as he'd create a nasty combo paired with Jackson and would push Curtis into the 3rd WR position. Given Philly's habit of tossing the rock, that would make for a formidable assignment for opposing defenses, not to mention it wouldn't hurt in keeping McNabb happy and confident in the front office's commitment to winning. I can't see him going to KC. Chiefs aren't typically big spenders and Housh seems very motivated by a payday.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Housh isn't going to draw a doubleteam, and he's likely on his way out of his prime, into into it.

Which makes it less likely he ends up with the Eagles. They won't spend to retain their own past-their-prime veterans, so they're certainly not going to spend to bring in someone else's past-their-prime veteran.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Giants makes total sense.

I would probably go with them if I had to wager.

Dump Plax, insert TJ, problem solved.

 

[ScottyFargo]

I am still optimistic that the Vikings might make some sort of play here. I don't see why he wouldn't atleast stop by on his way back East.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Giants makes total sense.I would probably go with them if I had to wager.Dump Plax, insert TJ, problem solved.

Problem not solved IMO. Housh and Plax are completely different receivers. What hurt the Giants last year is Eli not having a guy to throw the ball up to down field and make a play in coverage.

 

[coolnerd]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

He and his agent know that the huge money generally is handed out early the FA process and have tried to force interest/bidding between teams. We will see if the plan worked.

 

[Trey]

Giants makes total sense.I would probably go with them if I had to wager.Dump Plax, insert TJ, problem solved.

Problem not solved IMO. Housh and Plax are completely different receivers. What hurt the Giants last year is Eli not having a guy to throw the ball up to down field and make a play in coverage.

I can see Steve Smith as being their possession guy for the future. They have no deep threat forcing the safeties to cover deep on that team. Housh does not help in that area.

 

[Bri]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

He and his agent know that the huge money generally is handed out early the FA process and have tried to force interest/bidding between teams. We will see if the plan worked.

Yes I understand that, Saturday is so quick though(48 hours). Next Saturday is more workable, plus I would figure if I'm a GM and only have X cap room available and I want Housh, I'm not over-spending on the others so I still have enough to get him.IMO 0-9 days is still early.

 

[Bri]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

So you want the Saints to sign him when they have Colston and Moore already? Geez.....why would you not want your team to invest in D? Your D is so horrible that your top 5 O still cannot contend without it. On the road, your O gets hammered trying to keep up with the points scored by the opponent.

I don't think for their plan(which seems to be to simply fireaway and outscore opponents) they need to spend alot on one player on D. Enough good players at an OK salary would work. If they're going with building a good D, that's fantastic but it's been a long while since they seemed to do that. Always seems like a "we'll just slow them down" type D.Was Moore re-signed? Last I checked he was a FA. Regardless, I think many teams would be interested if his agent could play the game better and give it more time.

 

[Sinrman]

I think it comes down to Seattle or New York, else he re-signs in Cincy

I was hoping the Saints would jump in but they gave Vilma a good chunk of change today; a very very shady move as well.I think his Saturday move is dopey and hope he doesn't stick with it. The Giants and Cowboys could conceivably get rid of their top WR. The Rams are going to realize(one of these days) that they don't have the best WRs in football anymore. I think he and his agent played the FA game wrong as well. If he offerred time and a little less demand of a big contract, I'd bet every team would want him, then after that interest, he could raise up to his high demand price.

Sorry, but the Saints need to continue addressing their DEFENSE, not their offense. They have a fantastic QB and some great, young receivers. If they can have some healthy RBs, that offense is set for years. Their defense, however.......

 

[Jason Wood]

I've been saying for weeks now that TJ is either going to be a) very overpaid or b) not have the demand people thought he would. The guy is a GOOD football player, but he's nowhere close to being a GREAT one. He's a possession receiver on the wrong side of 30 who's had the advantage of playing opposite an amazing WR with a very good QB for most of his career; on a team that has had no defensive presence and thus always threw the ball. Housh can help a team, but in a year when teams are flush with cap space and there aren't many legit WRs in free agency, it's a recipe for someone to overpay for him.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I've been saying for weeks now that TJ is either going to be a) very overpaid or b) not have the demand people thought he would. The guy is a GOOD football player, but he's nowhere close to being a GREAT one. He's a possession receiver on the wrong side of 30 who's had the advantage of playing opposite an amazing WR with a very good QB for most of his career; on a team that has had no defensive presence and thus always threw the ball. Housh can help a team, but in a year when teams are flush with cap space and there aren't many legit WRs in free agency, it's a recipe for someone to overpay for him.

 

[inzanitee]

I've been saying for weeks now that TJ is either going to be a) very overpaid or b) not have the demand people thought he would. The guy is a GOOD football player, but he's nowhere close to being a GREAT one. He's a possession receiver on the wrong side of 30 who's had the advantage of playing opposite an amazing WR with a very good QB for most of his career; on a team that has had no defensive presence and thus always threw the ball. Housh can help a team, but in a year when teams are flush with cap space and there aren't many legit WRs in free agency, it's a recipe for someone to overpay for him.

Agreed, though if a contender who just needs a "good" WR for the next few seasons, he could be a great fit and help bring them a title.

 

[PewterFan]

Given that Seattle had a worse '08 than us while playing in a painfully weak division, a TJ signing there would show it's been a straight money play all along.

There's nothing wrong with joining a team for money. I would do it. And despite the fact that Seattle had a terrible season last year, they do offer something that Cincinnati doesn't: Hope

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I've been saying for weeks now that TJ is either going to be a) very overpaid or b) not have the demand people thought he would. The guy is a GOOD football player, but he's nowhere close to being a GREAT one. He's a possession receiver on the wrong side of 30 who's had the advantage of playing opposite an amazing WR with a very good QB for most of his career; on a team that has had no defensive presence and thus always threw the ball. Housh can help a team, but in a year when teams are flush with cap space and there aren't many legit WRs in free agency, it's a recipe for someone to overpay for him.

There's no way you can classify Housh as only "good" but then turn around and call Chad Johnson "Amazing".

 

[Chachi]

For anyone who owns TJ I'd try and sell as quickly as possible. You can probaly wait until the season begins but don't try and trade in season. If TJ goes to a team like Seattle he will be an utter bust, TJ will become the #1 and double covered and without a guy like Chad Johnson around TJ will be exposed as to what he is, a good #2 who will be an utter bust if put into a #1 role.

 

[PR Sparty]

Housh to the Vikes per espn

EDIT: scratch that and sorry for the rumor starting. I saw the headline "TJ headed to Minnesota" and jumped the gun. They really meant he's heading there for a visit.

 

[Phlash]

Housh to the Vikes per espn

Here we go!

 

[Slider]

ESPN live? i can't find it anywhere.

 

[Fodasme69]

Housh to the Vikes per espn

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Dynasty Value!

 

[Gopher State]

February 28th, 2009 – 11:17 AM by Judd Zulgad Two days ago Cincinnati free-agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh talked about how much he would like to play for the Vikings. Well, it looks as if he will at least visit with the team and it could happen today.

Houshmandzadeh’s agent, Kennard McGuire, said in a text message that “the Vikings are in [Houshmandzadeh’s] plans,” but gave no further details.

The Vikings have been trying to arrange a visit with Houshmandzadeh since Friday morning. He first made a stop in Seattle on Friday.

Houshmandzadeh, 31, is the top free-agent receiver on the market and has caught at least 90 passes in each of the past three seasons.

Houshmandzadeh was fourth in Pro Football Weekly’s rankings of the top 100 free agents. Last year, the Vikings signed Bernard Berrian to a six-year, $42 million deal that included a $16 million signing bonus.

Houshmandzadeh was asked during an ESPN interview Friday morning about teams that interested him. “I’m looking at teams I think have good coaches and good offensive lines and good running games,” Houshmandzadeh said. “I have no idea if those teams are interested in me. If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage with Adrian Peterson? I am going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield.”

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

They must think Housh is good at blocking for QB draws on 3rd-and-long in the playoffs.

 

[gianmarco]

Still no word on Housh that I see.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Still no word on Housh that I see.

All I can find on the Star Trib page is that he has a visit scheduled.

 

[NoCheese]

Housh is heading for a visit to Minnesota.

I've gotta think this looks very promising for the Vikings for the following reasons:

1) They desperately need a #2 WR across from Berrian who is more of a possession WR

2) Since Zygi has owned the Vikings, they've rarely let a free agent get away that has visited

3) They know his contract demands and they are still having him in, suggesting they're comfortable with the $$

4) Zygi is making a serious stadium push and with Rosenfels (a QB upgrade but not a great starter) in the fold, needs to add an offensive weapon to make a Super Bowl push

5) Housh talked about beating his man "98.6 % of the time" playing with Adrian Peterson, so he obviously relishes the chance

I'd say the Vikes have a 60% chance of signing him, especially since the prospect of playing w/ the Eagles looks dead. I must say I would be very excited to have him. I'm mildly concerned about his age (soon to be 32) but the Vikings have about a 2-3 year window to make a run before they get old, so in this circumstance I think it makes sense.

 

[identikit]

Housh is heading for a visit to Minnesota.I've gotta think this looks very promising for the Vikings for the following reasons:1) They desperately need a #2 WR across from Berrian who is more of a possession WR2) Since Zygi has owned the Vikings, they've rarely let a free agent get away that has visited3) They know his contract demands and they are still having him in, suggesting they're comfortable with the $$4) Zygi is making a serious stadium push and with Rosenfels (a QB upgrade but not a great starter) in the fold, needs to add an offensive weapon to make a Super Bowl push5) Housh talked about beating his man "98.6 % of the time" playing with Adrian Peterson, so he obviously relishes the chanceI'd say the Vikes have a 60% chance of signing him, especially since the prospect of playing w/ the Eagles looks dead. I must say I would be very excited to have him. I'm mildly concerned about his age (soon to be 32) but the Vikings have about a 2-3 year window to make a run before they get old, so in this circumstance I think it makes sense.

I don't see Berrian as possession WR really...Housh fits that better, IMO

 

[NoCheese]

Housh is heading for a visit to Minnesota.I've gotta think this looks very promising for the Vikings for the following reasons:1) They desperately need a #2 WR across from Berrian who is more of a possession WR2) Since Zygi has owned the Vikings, they've rarely let a free agent get away that has visited3) They know his contract demands and they are still having him in, suggesting they're comfortable with the $$4) Zygi is making a serious stadium push and with Rosenfels (a QB upgrade but not a great starter) in the fold, needs to add an offensive weapon to make a Super Bowl push5) Housh talked about beating his man "98.6 % of the time" playing with Adrian Peterson, so he obviously relishes the chanceI'd say the Vikes have a 60% chance of signing him, especially since the prospect of playing w/ the Eagles looks dead. I must say I would be very excited to have him. I'm mildly concerned about his age (soon to be 32) but the Vikings have about a 2-3 year window to make a run before they get old, so in this circumstance I think it makes sense.

I don't see Berrian as possession WR really...Housh fits that better, IMO

I worded that sentence poorly. I meant:1) They desperately need a #2 WR, who is more of a possession WR, across from Berrian who is more of a deep threat.

 

[identikit]

Housh is heading for a visit to Minnesota.I've gotta think this looks very promising for the Vikings for the following reasons:1) They desperately need a #2 WR across from Berrian who is more of a possession WR2) Since Zygi has owned the Vikings, they've rarely let a free agent get away that has visited3) They know his contract demands and they are still having him in, suggesting they're comfortable with the $$4) Zygi is making a serious stadium push and with Rosenfels (a QB upgrade but not a great starter) in the fold, needs to add an offensive weapon to make a Super Bowl push5) Housh talked about beating his man "98.6 % of the time" playing with Adrian Peterson, so he obviously relishes the chanceI'd say the Vikes have a 60% chance of signing him, especially since the prospect of playing w/ the Eagles looks dead. I must say I would be very excited to have him. I'm mildly concerned about his age (soon to be 32) but the Vikings have about a 2-3 year window to make a run before they get old, so in this circumstance I think it makes sense.

I don't see Berrian as possession WR really...Housh fits that better, IMO

I worded that sentence poorly. I meant:1) They desperately need a #2 WR, who is more of a possession WR, across from Berrian who is more of a deep threat.

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