Seattle Seahawks Trying to Move T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Earlier this week, Brock Huard of 710 ESPN in Seattle discussed T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s future in Seattle. Huard pointed out that Houshmandzadeh may not fit in Seattle’s plans and could possibly be cut when the team trims down to 53 players this weekend.

According to Huard, Houshmandzadeh is a better fit as a slot receiver. Houshmandzadeh, however, may not be willing to accept a lesser role with the Seahawks. If his attitude becomes problematic and he doesn’t fit into future plans, the Seahawks might actually benefit from cutting him.

Last year, Houshmandzadeh signed a five-year deal, $40 million contract with the Seahawks. It wasn’t John Schneider’s deal, but the team still has a lot invested in Houshmandzadeh. Cutting him seems pointless, especially considering he is guaranteed more than $7 million in 2010.

Houshmandzadeh may be a  better fit in the slot, but he was still Seattle’s most productive receiver in 2009. Though his statistics weren’t Pro Bowl worthy, Housh did catch 79 passes for 911 yards.

If the Seahawks cut Houshmandzadeh, they would be on the hook for a ton of money and lose their most productive receiver from the previous season. Planning for the future is okay, but dumping Houshmandzadeh without compensation seems foolish.

Today, several sources have reported the Seahawks are actively shopping Houshmandzadeh. They’re only rumors now, but a trade makes sense for Seattle if they’re looking to move forward without T.J.

From Jason La Canfora, who first reported the rumor via Twitter:

"SEA trying to move TJ Houshmandzadeh, but unlikely anyone takes him on. WR due to make $7M-plus guaranteed in ’10. He’s available, though."

A trade would definitely be preferable. But as La Canfora points out, there aren’t many teams who would be willing to deal for him – especially if the Seahawks are seriously considering cutting him.

T.J. is 32 years old and his salary is guaranteed in 2010. The Seahawks will be hard-pressed to find a trading partner; youth is always preferred around the league, and most teams will stay away from large, guaranteed contracts.

If Houshmandzadeh can remain a productive component of Seattle’s offense, the Seahawks should probably just retain him. John Schneider and Pete Carroll are obviously not fans of step children, but it would be too difficult to move every acquisition from the Tim Ruskell era.

If the Seahawks part ways with Housh, the team is sending a clear sign they’re planning to win tomorrow instead of today.

It has already been a busy week for the Seahawks and the rumors continue piling up. Pay attention; the next few days could be very interesting.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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