T.J. Houshmandzadeh seems to be on his way out of Cincinnati, which will cause an upstir among Bengals fans, but I have to ask - do the Bengals really need him?
BENGALSTRIPES – It looks like the nightmare is going to happen.
The Cincinnati Bengals will not re-sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh, which will cause an outbreak of pissing and moaning from the entire team’s fan base.
The whole situation has to have owner Mike Brown losing some sleep. I know most people don’t think he cares, but in these poor economic times the last thing he wants to do is upset fans that are already threatening to get rid of their season tickets.
Brown could slap the franchise tag on Houshmandzadeh, however he must do so by the deadline on Feb. 19 (first day they could have tagged him was Feb. 5). If Housh were to get tagged, he would make $9.88 million next season, which surprisingly would make him unhappy.
It is pretty obvious that Housh wants out after going on Chicago and Philadelphia radio stations this past week to sell himself. Chicago – He said that he “kind of likes Rex Grossman” who is actually going to be a free agent on Feb. 27. Philly – Housh said, “Did you watch the Eagles and the Bengals game during the season? I was just giving Andy Reid an interview in person. That’s all I was doing.”
Earlier reports showed that Seattle and San Francisco were also interested.
While, Housh claims that he is keeping all options open, including Cincinnati, you have to figure he wants out and may just use Cincinnati to drive up his big payday.
If anyone deserves to get paid, in my mind, it’s T.J. The guy has been taking a pounding over the years as the Bengals slot receiver. Catches over the middle and hard knockdowns from safeties has made him a fan favorite.
However, that style of play could be another reason Housh wants out. Recently, he was quoted on Bengals.com about how he wants to prove that he is not just a slot receiver.
“Obviously they think of me as one type of player,” Houshmandzadeh said, “and I think I’m a different type of player. If I leave Cincinnati, everybody will see what I’m talking about.”
Even though I am a huge Houshmandzadeh supporter, I believe would be beneficial to let the star wide receiver go. The Bengals already have Chad Ocho Cinco, Andre Caldwell, Chris Henry, Antonio Chatman and Jerome Simpson. Not to mention, rookie free agents from a year ago in Maurice Purify and Mario Urrutia. Glenn Holt might be back and is currently a restricted free agent. So with a healthy Carson Palmer, I don’t see the production at the WR position much different with or without Housh.
Personally, I think Simpson has the skill set to be the next Chad Johnson and Caldwell is like a young/faster Houshmanzadeh. Now, If Henry can stay out of trouble then your WRs are totally fine.
Not mention, the Bengals have been projected to be under the 2009 salary cap by about 28 million (fifth most under the cap in the NFL). So that $9.8 would take a solid chunk out of that amount, the Bengals could have used on positions of need like the offensive and defensive lines or on others spots that could use some upgrades like running back and at safety.
However, if he does get tagged and another team wants him, they can sign him away from the Bengals at the high price of two first round picks, which I don’t believe would happen.
If he does leave, he will be missed, there will be no one to make fun of Chad and keep him in his place. His time on radio, which went away this past season, will really be missed. Most of all his production will be missed – so as it stands today his career as a Bengal will end with 507 receptions for 5,782 yards and 40 total touchdowns.
Goodbye Housh, you will be missed, but it is your time to go and get paid.
{ 1 comment }
I wouldn’t be to upset to see both chad and tj go. the bengals need to spend all thier money to protect our totally immobile, pocket quarterback.
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