T.J. LEFT MINNESOTA LAST NIGHT

We were hearing rumors last night that receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh left Minnesota last night for Cincinnati. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on Monday morning that T.J. slept in the Twin Cities. As it turns out, he didn’t. Per the Star Tribune, Houshmandzadeh bolted on Sunday evening for Los Angeles. The reason for the destination isn’t clear, other than the fact that he’s a native of relatively nearby Barstow, California, and probably spends the offseasons in that general area. Meanwhile, Rick Alonzo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has unearthed a potentially telling quote from Houshmandzadeh to ESPN The Magazine. If T.J. meant what he said, then it’s safe to assume that he plans to sign with the team that’s offering him the most money. “Ray [Lewis] spoke for all of us when he said, ‘If you don’t play less, you don’t take less [money]. I’m nervous about leaving Cincinnati. It will be a huge adjustment, like being a rookie all over again. Moving, getting to know everyone, learning a new team, new players, new coaches, new system -- I can see why guys would take less to stay. But if I have to make a choice between the best team and the best money? I’m not stupid, man. I’ll take the money.” It’s presently unclear whether the Bengals, Vikings, or Seahawks have the most money on the table.