The Oakland Raiders announced that they have signed free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, reuniting Houshmandzadeh with former Bengals QB Carson Palmer in Oakland.
It’s an interesting move, and if Houshmandzadeh still has gas left in the tank, he could be a difference maker for the Raiders.
The two played together for five years in Cincinnati, which were the most productive years of Houshmandzadeh’s career. Their last year together was 2008, in which they connected for 92 receptions for 904 yards. The following season, Houshmandzadeh went to Seattle where he remained productive and caught 79 balls for 911 yards. While his productivity dropped last year with Baltimore (30 catches for 398 yards), that could easily be more about chemistry with the quarterback and the Ravens “ground and pound” offense than any reflection on Housh.
We like the move. Houshmandzadeh is a seasoned pro and while the Raiders have ample young players with speed at wide out, an experienced veteran who has good chemistry with Palmer to play the slot could provide another shot in the arm for their passing game. Oakland has the second best running game in the league, so once Palmer and Housh are up to speed and RB Darren McFadden is fully recovered from his sprained foot, the Raiders offense should be a force to be reckoned with.
Al Davis is up there somewhere smiling down on the silver and black tonight.
