T.J. Houshmandzadeh Visiting Patriots, Reportedly Wants To Sign With Colts

by Brad Wells on Aug 15, 2011 10:05 AM EDT in 2011 Colts News

How about an update on T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Would you all like that?

Well, since late last week, it was confirmed by Rich Smith that Houshmandzadeh was in Indianapolis to negotiate a one-year deal with the Colts. Over the weekend, rumor spread that 'Housh' was undecided between the Colts and Vikings. He apparently wants to play for the Colts, but the Vikings are offering more money (a pretty obvious ploy to get the Colts to up their offer, me thinks).

According to Smith, the Colts almost had Housh, but the Vikings swooped in and made a bigger offer. The Vikings did this earlier this month with Charlie Johnson, who very much wanted to re-sign with the Colts.

Today, we also have news that Houshmandzadeh is visiting and working out for the Patriots. I guess New England decided to up the Vikes' offer.

It's worth noting that before the Colts signed Tommie Harris, he visited and worked out for the Patriots. The other thing to note about New England is that Chad Ochocinco is on their roster. Chad and T.J. formed an impressive receiving duo in Cincinnati back in the late-2000s.

The Colts don't like it when players use them to prompt 'bidding wars' with other teams over their services. Thus, I personally think it's now doubtful Housh signs with Indy. They made him an offer. They likely have no interest in increasing it. He can either take it, or go to Minnesota or New England.

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I wonder what that "minor" Blair White injury is?

by Ty46 on Aug 15, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

Oh Well..

Wasn’t too big on signing TJ anyway. No, Randy Moss, there’s a guy I’d LOVE the Colts to sign.

The Artist Formerly Known As beerbrunch.
The Hair of the Dog Sports Blog @coldy4goldy

by coldy4goldy on Aug 15, 2011 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

I think it's unlikely Housh lands in NE

They’ve got a log jam at receiver as it is, and it would be hard envisioning him earning a spot on the 53, barring injury. If he did make it, he’d be buried on the depth chart.

It doesn’t make sense to me for either side. Housh might be trying to up the Vikings or Colts offer by visiting the Patriots, but why would the Patriots be interested?

On a side note, the Pats are just working TJ out. As far as I’m concerned, no contract offer has been made. Yet.

by Greg Knopping on Aug 15, 2011 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

Or they're working him out because the Colts were interested.

Gamesmanship.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Aug 15, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't want him

Go to the Colts…

by Crizzle12 on Aug 15, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

If he wants to play for the Colts

he should just sign – he’s not really in a position to ‘play games’ with offers – coming off the worst season of his career doesn’t put him in the ‘drivers’ seat’ in negotiations …

by Cincicougar on Aug 15, 2011 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

Worst season - playing with Flacco and being coached by Cameron does that for you

by Ty46 on Aug 15, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

BTW, isn't Stokley still out there?

by Ty46 on Aug 15, 2011 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Yes

And should Collie/Gonzo get injured I hope his # is on speed dial this season.

by GoHorse88 on Aug 15, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought the Redskins got him?

by kferguson2002 on Aug 15, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

He backed out.

They were signing every WR out there, he didn’t want to go into that sort of situation.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Aug 15, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

He is the guy I want

Stokely will take what he gets and will have instant chemistry with Peyton, just like Branch had with Brady when he came back from the Seahawks.

He can still read defenses and get open like this – http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d81d8c4fe/Stokley-burns-Saints-deep-for-TD

and this: http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d81db9099/Brandon-Stokley-9-yard-TD

both in the playoffs last year.

by chad72 on Aug 15, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm sure that Housh

will come to his senses and sign with Indy. I mean, think about it. New England doesn’t have a chance. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play for Jim Caldwell.

by Ayrshire on Aug 15, 2011 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

"that man's mind works in ways i will never understand. he is quite possibly the best coach of all time - including the future"

- bill belichick

i don't give autographs

by muncie_in_this on Aug 15, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Great Minds Think Alike !

by MrBoJangles46 on Aug 15, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Recc to BBS.

For reporting 1) what is going on with Housh 2) using his expertise and knowledge of the Colts behavior and opining what he thinks the Colts/Housh will do.

by moocow on Aug 15, 2011 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Why thank you

Again, the ‘bidding war’ thing comes from some comments people told me over weekend. Also, I remember Bill Polian telling Adam Vinatieri in 2006 that he had no interest in getting into a ‘bidding war’ with NE over his services.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.

by Brad Wells on Aug 15, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

The more and more I watch what the Pats do, the more I see the games they play.

Just about every player in the NFL should know the deal with the Colts. If you want the most money, it won’t be in Indy. They will offer what they think you should get and give you a defined role/or a chance depending on the situation.

Everybody talks about how great it is to play for NE. I don’t think the appeal is all that. Bellicheck is the best coach in the NFL. The problem is he is trying to play Coach, Off Cord, Def Cord, GM, Head of Scouting, and whatever else he can come up with. It’s like some freak Nazi gestapo thing up there any more. If there is any rumor to the truth about Haynesworth and/or Chad Johnson getting cut, players would be wise to examine the situation closely before they sign.

by strandedincarolina on Aug 15, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

BBS - Do you think...

That Housh said that he wants to play for the Colts, in order to drive Minny’s deal even higher? Or do you think he expressed interest in Minny’s deal to drive the Colts’ deal even higher?

by kmbryant09 on Aug 15, 2011 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Hallelujah

Finally, somebody with some common sense. I enjoy Coach Caldwell at the helm. It is sickening how fans can be so fair weathered (Indiana). For example, now that the Pacers blow their isn’t much of a fan base. The only negative thing I can agree on when it comes to Caldwell Coaching ability is the infamous time out and even that is 50/50 for me. Coaches coach and players play. I don’t see Caldwell out there getting run over in run defense or stoned on 3rd and short. Maybe it has more to do with the lack of personnel than it does the actual coaching ability. If I remember correctly we still win ball games and make the playoffs.

by Wayne_4_President on Aug 15, 2011 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

If I remember correctly,

we still have the best quarterback who ever played. Think that might have a little to do with it?

by Ayrshire on Aug 15, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I think

Caldwells getting “stoned” well before third and short prolly during pre game warm ups thats why he never has anything real to say and randomly calls out time outs cuz its “funny”

Oh and its infamous time outS plural as in 3 now (2 that matter)

by C.Settles on Aug 15, 2011 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions