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Bengals not likely to tag Houshmandzadeh
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The dark cloud looming over the Cincinnati Bengals has continued to cast a shadow over the organization this offseason, and will likely do so until after free agency when some of the cloudiness is expected to clear. However, the forecast is calling for stormy conditions when the NFL's free agency period begins Feb. 27.
The Bengals organization will be faced with some tough decisions during this time, but none tougher than deciding what to do with the team's brightest star wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is set to hit the open market.
The team's choices are indeed limited. It's either sign the receiver to a long-term deal before the deadline, place the franchise tag on the player or lose him.
During a phone interview with Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday night, Feb. 10, he was forthcoming about his future with the Bengals and how all the talk of becoming a free agent is affecting him.
"It's not affecting me at all," he said. "We'll see what happens on the 27th and go from there. I'll have some idea when the 19th rolls around of what's going to happen. When those things come around then things will become a lot clearer."
Houshmandzadeh is currently working out in California preparing for next season and will be joined by fellow teammate Chris Henry today, Feb. 12.
There have been reports that Houshmandzadeh is unhappy with his situation in Cincinnati and is ready to distance himself from the dysfunctional family. Some things are true, some not so true. In fact, the receiver would welcome the chance to remain with the Bengals but things would have to be done the right way.
"It would be cool to remain with the Bengals because I got my start there," Houshmandzadeh said. "I'm not a person that prefers lots of change in my life, but if change has to happen, then change has to happen.
"When things like this are ongoing then obviously there are going to be some difference of opinions on your ability. That's the big thing and whatever happens, happens."
The Bengals would have to pay Houshmandzadeh $9.88 million in salary for the 2009 season if they where to slap the franchise tag on him.
"I don't want any part of the tag," he said. "The more I think about, I don't think I'll be franchised. It's a lot of money. If you franchise somebody what are you saying about the player? Obviously, you think he is that type of player, and if you think he's that type of player then you're franchising him.
"That shows you within itself that OK we think he's one of the better players and we're going to franchise him. If that's the case give him a contract like your franchising him. That's how I see it and don't see the franchise thing happening."
Freeze Tag
Houshmandzadeh was very blunt about what would take place if he is designated the team's franchise player.
"Coach Lewis made an emphasis of wanting guys at the offseason programs, on the field sessions and things of that nature. If I get franchised I'm not going to be there," he said.
"So it goes against everything that the coaches want. You can't have the coach come out and say one thing and do another. If you do, then you're not going to have the cohesiveness he said he wanted when the season ended."
Houshmandzadeh stated that some of the blame for the Bengals dismal 2008 season was placed on him and Chad Ocho Cinco by the coach for their lack of participation in voluntary offseason programs. He reiterated that things weren't going to change this offseason if he receives the tag.
Houshmandzadeh said that as a player you want to be there, but you have to do what is best for you.
It looks like déjà vu all over again for the Bengals.
Stakes are high?
As far as talks of a new contract, everything remains status quo. However, Houshmandzadeh did have a conversation with Bengals chief negotiator Troy Blackburn nearly two weeks ago, who expressed interest in possibly re-signing the receiver. Yet there has been no contact between the Bengals organization and Houshmandzadeh's agent, Kennard McGuire.
The Bengals are notorious for dragging their feet in contract negotiations. But this could turn out to be one of those cases where if you snooze, you lose.
No doubt Houshmandzadeh will draw a lot of attention on the open market and the Bengals would essentially come out as losers in this scenario.
There is more than meets the eye with Houshmandzadeh and other NFL teams know it. Many try to label the receiver as being one-dimensional by saying he's nothing more that a slot receiver.
That's far from the truth. The reason for seeing Houshmandzadeh line up in the slot as much is the inability of Ocho Cinco, Henry and others to play the position.
Houshmandzadeh has proven to be one tough hombre playing in the slot, but the team's offense has restricted him from showing off his true ability as an outside receiver.
Other teams are fully aware what Houshmandzadeh brings to the table not on the football field but in the locker room.
With the free agent period vastly approaching, Bengal fans began to ponder life without T.J. One thing is for certain, the Bengals are a worse team without him.
Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for the Dayton Daily News.
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Comments
By Kelly Mundy
February 26, 2009 6:49 AM | Link to this
KEEP T.J. He’s my favorite player on the Bengals team.
If Chad wanted to leave so badly last year, then they should have let him go along with Chris Henry. Chris has had too many off-season things happen that the team does not need to deal with.
We need strong players willing to play and work hard, not have a bunch of whining little babies.
Be smart Cincy, Keep T.J.
PLEASE STAY WITH US T.J. I BELIEVE IN YOU.
By glenn
February 16, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
By Eric Mack
February 16, 2009 5:16 AM | Link to this
No. Send him to Philly where he can actually have a chance to win a Super Bowl.
By Randy
February 14, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
Thanks for being a team player TJ. You are being paid millions of dollars to play a game, yet you show yourself to be just as selfish as other children who are overpaid. Remember, its not all about you, without the fans who support you, you would not be making the money that you do.
By Jerry
February 14, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
We have had little success over the years with either receiver. So whats the big deal. It’s time to clean house,loose both of them, and move on. They aren’t worth the money their getting now !
By tony
February 14, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this
why not get t.j. & cedric benson signed. get rid of chad for a extra draft pick since he shows no passion for the game anymore. there’s no me in we chad.
By Mr.Evans
February 13, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this
tj is a sure handed reciever with excellent work ethic it would be the right call for any gm to move in his direction
By Jillian
February 13, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
Gosh, from the outside looking in, I always thought highly of TJ and his playmaking. Ocho always seems to be showing off or complaining. Now reading all your comments, I don’t know what to think.
How about we trade Jabbar Gaffney for TJ. Will that work?
By Gordo
February 13, 2009 7:30 AM | Link to this
I’m a long-time Bengal fan and I say drop him. Next season will be just as painful as the last so let’s focus on getting another Anthony Munoz to protect number 9. Hey while your at it Mike Brown… I’d like a running game for christams.
By Anthony
February 12, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this
That’s some funny stuff, Bill! I would love to see the Bengals re-sign T.J., but you know they won’t. They never pay players what they’re worth. If the team does not re-sign him Mike Brown should take the money and pay the fans who come and watch the crappy Bengals.
By Bill
February 12, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
I say let him go where he can have a shot at a winning record or maybe the playoffs. He will not see that in the near future with the Bungles.I still say people in Hamilton County ought to be asking just how much the Bungle organization is costing the taxpayer.You are doing without of a lot of things with these budget cuts, but I bet ‘Ol Mike Brown aint!
By Damaged Booklet
February 12, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
I think the Bengals should franchise TJ and get rid of Chad Johnson and maybe try to get a better wide receiver one that doesn’t whine all the time.
By blindeye
February 12, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
Glad to see someone posting about the NFL. We’re literally 2 months away from the 2009 draft and the QB that started the most games and took the most snaps for Cincinnati is an UFA.
The trouble with TJ and CJ is that if they keep both it will probably mess up the structure of the team for future years. I think the team can only keep one of them and fill in with a younger player. Maybe the younger player is Henry and maybe not. I think it speaks volumes that Henry is in CA with TJ.
By Sean K.
February 12, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
I think you keep T.J. If anything, you need to focous on your defense and o-line. Trade Chad and get a pick out of him. defense wins games and if the other team has no offense, you can pound the ball and throw to your younge line of recievers, T.J. and Chris. BIG POINT: Chads a distraction and doesn’t rely wana play for Cincy. you need T.J. because hes prob. your only good player b-sides palmer. Also Defense wins games. get a good pick from chad and use it for defense.
By flipper
February 12, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Just get some guys that are average. No Houshwhatever and numberman. Find a younger coach that can identify with the players and give him the support he needs. Gag Mike Brown. Sell cheaper food. Do this and ye shall succeed.
By Todd
February 12, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this
Tag him, trade him. With Chad, Andre & Chris we will be fine. The big issue as always are the trenches - need to keep Carson upright & the opposing QB on his back! We need team players not players all about themselves. Until we do we will remain in the AFC North cellar!!
By joe
February 12, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
T.J. is going to be 32 and I doubt he’s as effective without 85 on the other side. I don’t remember seeing coverage rolled to his side of the field or him being double teamed constantly. That’s what happens to Ocho. Wes Welker was good in Miami but he’s great with a threat like Moss on the field with him. Defenses plan for Ocho not T.J. That being said I would trade Chad only because he doesn’t want to be there, sign T.J., and hope Henry can attract enough attention to keep him effective.
By ericsfs
February 12, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
Let TJ go. He doesn’t come to mini camps. He stays as far away for the team as he can until mandatory workouts. He’s not a team player. He’s a great receiver, no doubt, but TJ is as much a problem as Chad OC. The difference is OC is under contract and this past season has made him a lot less valuable on the trade market. Go back and read TJ’s comments over the past few seasons, he may be less flashy but his ego is as overinflated as OC’s or TO’s.
By BRAD
February 12, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
I WANTED so badly TO LIKE CHAD AND HAVE HIM BE THE PLAYER WE THOUGHT WE WAS…. NOW I LOOK BACK AND MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRADE HIM LAST SEASON… AS FOR TJ - HE IS A KEEPER AND HE IS DELUDING HIMSELF IF HE THINKS HE CAN GET MUCH BETTER THAN TO HAVE ARROWS COMING FROM CARSON PALMER… WHEN 9 IS HEALTHY HE CAN GET THE BALL TO TJ - MUCH BETTER THAN 80% OF THE OTHER NFL QBS. STAY TJ - SUCCESS IS ON THE HORIZON
By stevo
February 12, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
See you later TJ. You are not worth 10 Million. The Bengals have offered him a multi year and he is the one rejecting. He would rather play for less somewhere else. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
By Yippee
February 12, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this
Sign TJ long term, get rid of CJ. Should have gotten rid of him last year when the Redskins wanted him, the Bengals could have used those extra picks in the draft.
By guru
February 12, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
This is the Bengals problem, every offseason the focus is on a wide receiver and not what the team really needs, o-line and defense. You dont start building a team with WR’s. Its obviously time to rebuild, but keep a couple key guys.
By atg310
February 12, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
What’s the point in keeping him? The Bengals are one of the worst teams in the NFL with him, they can be just as bad without him and save themselves some money!
By Mike M.
February 12, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
I do not know what TJ is talking about while under contract he hasn’t come to nearly half of the Bengals voluntary mini camps! How quickly he forgets that the Bengals stuck by him his first 2 years with injuries right and left all the time he is always complaning to the officals on the field TJ does what he want’s and other players notice this! Bengals PLEASE DO TJ A FAVOR SEND HIM PACKING HE IS NOT WORTH 10,000,000!!!
By Thomas B
February 12, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
I think if you lose TJ you lose the best receiver that the Bengals have you would be better served getting rid of Mr.Cinco since he doesnt want to be there and get another receiver to compliment TJ and Chad and wants to work for the betterment of the team. TJ has been Nr.Clutch when it has counted he should be rewarded for his efforts!!
By Steve
February 12, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
The Bengals should sign TJ to a long-term contract! He should retire as a Bengal!
By Howie Feltersnatch
February 12, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
I agree with Shannon sign and trade TJ develop the young recievers get help on “O” and “D” line. Running backs are a dime a dozen and you can always get one in the 2nd round and Mike Brown fire yourself!
By Shannon McHenry
February 12, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
Can we not tag TJ then trade him for a 2nd round pick?
Seems we always let these guys go for nothing. I could care less what TJ says or wants. This is a business and the move that makes the most sense is to tag and trade. This is a particularly deep draft at positions of need. (Tackle, Center & Running Back)The more picks we have in the first 3 rounds the better. I think we might be able to swing a 2nd rounder for him.
By Mike Hawksbig
February 12, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this
It really wont matter what they do. TJ confirmed with his comments that he is not a team player just like Choko Sucko.
“Houshmandzadeh said that as a player you want to be there, but you have to do what is best for you”.
It looks like another 5-11 season with the Bangholes spitting their teeth out like chicklets when they play the Steelers. Carson will get a paper cut or hangnail in training camp that will sideline him for the season. Too bad you cant give the entire team a heart transplant.
By William
February 12, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
Sign TJ, sign Benson and trade Chad “whatever your name is this week” Johnson, who is the real problem with the club. TJ has far more long term value to the team.
By Roscoe
February 12, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
Sign or tag TJ, Trade Ocho Stinko for a pick, sign Benson to a long term deal, and draft a DT that can actually rush the QB. Last in the league for sacks is unacceptable. Or stay with the status quo and remain in the NFL basement with the Cleveland Clowns to keep you company……….
By Chuck Steele
February 12, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the Bengals should tag TJ! The should stop being cheap and reward the man with a new contract for all his hard work. Mike Brown, do something right for change!
By BnOPanther
February 12, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this
TJ is not worth 9.88 mil per year. With the emergence of Caldwell and with a healthy Chad our passing game will be fine without him. Simpson needs to step up though. We have not exactly been a winning franchise with him.
By john
February 12, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this
No - save it for Paul Brown.