Add another possession receiver to the Ravens.
Baltimore surprisingly reached agreement with T.J. Houshmandzadeh on a one-year, $855,000 contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The figure is so low because Houshmandzadeh was already guaranteed $7 million this year; Seattle will still have to pay him $6.15 million to make up the difference.
Housh wasn’t linked to Baltimore, if only because they seemed set at receiver. Both Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason are move-the-chains possession threats, just like Houshmandzadeh. Boldin is the only one that makes plays after the catch.
While Washington would have seemingly provided Houshmazilla more targets, the Ravens give him a better chance to win. And face the Bengals twice a year.
Now Joe Flacco adds another weapon to the mix to go with his three tight ends and Donte’ Stallworth, who will miss half the season. Considering it’s for a minimum salary with no guarantees, we think it’s a worthwhile gamble for Baltimore.
The Ravens will have to make a corresponding move; wideouts Marcus Smith or David Reed look like logical cuts.