Baltimore Ravens add wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh
The Baltimore Ravens surprised NFL fans today when they signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Seattle Seahawks released Houshmandzadeh on Saturday.
There were rumours circulating around the league that the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals were all interested in signing Houshmandzadeh. The Ravens were never mentioned in the mix of teams pursuing the former all-pro wide out.
Houshmandzadeh spent the first eight years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengalis who chose him with the 204th overall pick in the 2001 NFL entry draft.
Houshmandzadeh became a free agent after the 2008 season and signed a five-year contract worth $40 million with the Seahawks. During his one season with Seattle, Houshmandzadeh caught 79 passes for 911 yards and three touchdowns.
While his 79 receptions were his lowest total since 2005 and the three touchdowns were his lowest number since 2002, Houshmandzadeh still ranks 2nd in the NFL in wide receiver receptions since 2004. His receiving yards of 5973 since 2004 put him at 12th and his 39 touchdowns since 2004 have him ranked at 10th.
Houshmandzadeh had this to say, “Baltimore was a chance to win the (Super Bowl) ring. Five or six teams have a legit shot to win a Super Bowl this year and they were one of them. Without me.”
He continued: “Although I had other options and I was seriously considering those, I just couldn’t pass this up. Winning is why we play sports.”
Houshmandzadeh adds a great deal to a wide receiver corps that boasts Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte Stallworth. Stallworth is currently on injured reserve with a broken foot, but is expected back for week eight of the Ravens season.
The Ravens signed Houshmandzadeh for the veteran minimum of $855 thousand. Per NFL rules, Seattle will pay the remaining $6.15 million of his contract.
In order to make room for Houshmandzadeh, the Ravens traded wider receiver Mark Clayton to the St. Louis Rams for an undisclosed draft pick.
Tags: