TJ Houshmandzadeh Signs with Seattle Seahawks

Former Cincinnati Bengal TJ Houshmandzadeh agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks yesterday evening, officially ending his tenure in the orange and black. TJ Houshmandzadeh was offered a contract from the Cincinnati Bengals as well as the Minnesota Vikings. TJ took an official visit to Minnesota, which led many onlookers to believe that he could have potentially signed with the purple and white.

Houshmandzadeh's deal was apparently worth $40 million over five years-a deal that allowed him to obtain $15 million in guaranteed money. In these current economic times, that is not too bad.

Houshmandzadeh is undoubtedly one of the league's most productive wide receivers. Perhaps better known for the famous NFL.com Fantasy Football commercial, Houshmandzadeh was one of the most-liked players from the Cincinnati Bengals roster. Not as outspoken as his teammate, Chad Johnson, Houshmandzadeh kept steady high levels of production, while keeping his mouth shut at the same time.

From 2001 to 2008, Houshmandzadeh posted 507 receptions, 5,782 yards, and 37 touchdowns. A modern day draft steal, he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft, out of Oregon State University.
The Seahawks signed a rock solid top wide receiver to lead their wide receiving core. Last year, the Seahawks were decimated by injuries, many times going with two or three active wide receivers. Houshmandzadeh should be able to help Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck post some solid numbers in the 2009 season.

Last year, Hasselbeck relied on some pretty underappreciated wideouts. Wide receivers Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, and Koren Robinson posted decent numbers, but the team was led in receiving by TE John Carlson. Nate Burleson should return, allowing for more depth in the receiving core.

While Houshmandzadeh's addition likely means he will take over the number one wideout role, he may not post statistics similar to those that he posted in Cincinnati. Seattle has traditionally relied upon several upper-tier wide receivers to carry their passing game, and they are likely to spread the ball around moreso than Cincinnati did. Look for Houshmandzadeh's statistics to take a slight dip as he dons the blue and green.

All in all, however, the Seattle Seahawks made the moves they have to make to get Houshmandzadeh into their locker room and onto their roster. His presence will immediately be felt, especially by QB Matt Hasselbeck, who will appreciate having a true number one wide receiver on the team.