Houshmandzadeh in Seattle

Posted by: Shaun Dolence

According to several reports, free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in Seattle today. Houshmandzadeh, considered by most to be the best receiver available in free agency, lists Seattle among his list of favorable destinations, which also includes New York (Giants), San Francisco, Miami, and Philadelphia.

Houshmandzadeh, along with his list of preferred teams, also told the media what he is looking for in a new team: a talented quarterback, a strong coach, an aggressive offensive system, and the ability to win (he HAS been stuck in Cincinnati his whole career). Unfortunately for Seattle, they’re bringing in a new head coach and staff, and finished 4-12 last season. However, they do have Matt Hasselbeck, and can offer Houshmandzadeh relocation to the west coast, where he attended college and lives in the off season.

I’m all for signing Houshmandzadeh – but at what price? As the top wide receiver available this off season, the demand for his services will likely increase his value, and someone will probably offer him a huge contract. Regardless, I would love to see him in Seattle – he would immediately improve our team and address a huge need – but there are cheaper, more efficient alternatives available.

It will be interesting to see what develops today with Houshmandzadeh reportedly in town. When pursuing attractive free agents, it has been a tendency of Paul Allen’s to not allow them to leave town without signing a contract (Chad Brown, Patrick Kerney). I’m sure Houshmandzadeh would prefer to explore other options, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

Other News From Around the NFL …

Haynesworth picks Washington
Early Friday morning, Albert Haynesworth agreed to a seven year, $100 million contract (which includes an NFL-record $41 million in guarantees) with the Washington Redskins. Not a big shock, as the Redskins (and Dan Snyder) are well-known for not shying away from big price tags in free agency. Haynesworth was considered the most coveted free agent this off season, and fans of nearly every team were hoping to acquire him. According to ESPN.com, his contract can max out at $115 million with incentives, and he will earn $32 million during the first 13 months of the deal.

Winslow to Tampa
Former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow, the sixth overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, was traded to the Buccaneers on Friday for undisclosed draft picks. The tight end from Miami – with whom I am still bitter with because he spurned UW – has shown a lot of talent on the field, but has had issues staying healthy and has had some incidents with management.

In 2004, Winslow broke his right fibula two games into his rookie season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. In the following off season, he was involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained a torn ACL, causing him to spend the entire season of the PUP list. A few years later, Winslow was sidelined with a Staph infection. Regarding the incident, Winslow openly criticized general manager Phil Savage, saying he was treated like a “piece of meat” and claiming the Browns did nothing to solve the problem (and instead tried to hide it). Savage responded to the criticism by suspending Winslow for a week, but the suspension was later rescinded by owner Randy Lerner.

As a Seattle fan, the most noteworthy aspect of this transaction is how it will affect former Seahawk and Husky tight end Jerramy Stevens’ future. Stay tuned …

Vikings acquire Rosenfels
Not too long ago, there were reports circling that Minnesota was interesting in acquiring Matt Hasselbeck from the Seahawks – a popular rumor fueled by Tavaris Jackson’s collapse in the playoffs. Most of the rumors were refuted by new head coach Jim Mora, and any remaining conversation regarding the issue ended Friday: Minnesota acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from the Houston Texans for a fourth round draft choice.

Rosenfels is 30 years old and an eight year veteran in the NFL. In five starts last season, he threw for 1,431 yards with six touchdowns, ten interceptions, and a 66.7 completion percentage. He is expected to compete with Jackson for the Viking’s starting quarterback job.

I sure hope the Vikings don’t think Rosenfels is going to solve their quarterback predicament. If anything, it’ll just add to the ambiguity of the problematic situation.