SEATTLE — While the Seattle Seahawks did land one massive fish from the free-agent pool on Sunday, they won’t know until today whether another big catch is in their net.
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh gave no indication of his decision on Sunday night, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that his announcement will be delayed until sometime this morning. Houshmandzadeh is reportedly weighing offers from the Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.
Houshmandzadeh has played his entire eight-year career with the Bengals, catching at least 90 passes in each of the past three seasons.
Seattle did address one need, however, with Sunday’s signing of free-agent defensive tackle Colin Cole.
The former Green Bay Packer adds bulk (330 pounds) to an undersized Seahawks defensive line.
Cole, 28, has not started a game for the Packers in two years but could factor into the battle for a starting job in Seattle. Former starter Rocky Bernard recently signed with the New York Giants, leaving the Seahawks with starter Brandon Mebane, Cole and backups Craig Terrill, Red Bryant and Howard Green.
Cole had 30 tackles and a half-sack as a Packers reserve last season. Green Bay’s run defense was often criticized during a campaign in which the Packers ranked 26th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. Cole’s best year came in 2005, when he started four games and had 40 tackles and two sacks.
According to NFL.com, Cole’s contract is scheduled to pay him $21 million, including $6 million guaranteed, over five years.
The Seahawks were also courting receivers to help a unit that struggled with injuries in 2008. Houshmandzadeh appears to be at the top of Seattle’s list, while another possible addition, Michael Clayton, is off the market after re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Houshmandzadeh went to the 2007 Pro Bowl. He was in Seattle on Friday and spent the weekend visiting with Vikings officials.
Houshmandzadeh had originally said that he wanted to make an announcement by Sunday night, but The Star Tribune and the Cincinnati Bengals’ website both reported last night that Houshmandzadeh’s agent had told them a decision would not be announced until Monday morning.
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