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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2008 > October > 09 > Entry
Here’s why trading T.J. isn’t a crazy idea
To say that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis dumped a bucket of ice water on the possible trade of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was an understatement. He sunk the rumor like the Titanic.
I found it very interesting what the coach had to say Wednesday regarding the trade rumor, and the blog I posted Tuesday. I respect the stands he took in support of the organization. I agreed mostly with his comments. However, I did see some things rather differently.
I think we both agree that teams don’t typically part with talented players during the middle of the season, but there have been some exceptions throughout history of the league.
Here is where our views differ.
Lewis asked the question…
“What club in its right mind would trade for a player that’s going to be an unrestricted free agent?”
Although trades of this nature are rare, they have taken place.
Yes, it would be risky for a club to trade for a player who is set to hit the free agent market. But if two clubs are working behind the scenes on a trade deal, as they often do, where is the tampering in that?
Here’s why the trade rumor makes sense.
The Bengals have little or no chance to make the playoffs this season and need to start looking toward the future. The team drafted a number of young receivers and brought back Chris Henry. The organization has stated that Chad Ocho Cinco isn’t going anywhere. Therefore the team must have a plan in place.
The Bengals trading Houshmandzadeh may not be as far-fetched as it seems. The team could easily trade the receiver before the deadline and get something for him in return rather than letting him bounce when free agency hit.
It is believed that San Francisco and Tennessee are looking to upgrade their wide receiver positions. Both teams will need to address this area if they are to make a run at the playoffs. Houshmandzadeh would fit in nicely in both offenses. So there you have two potential suitors to negotiate.
Also, it could be in Houshmandzadeh’s best interest to seek a trade because his age, 31, could be a detriment to his trade value in free agency.
As for the franchise tag, forget about it! Protect your franchise quarterback, who has taken a Rodney King beat-down this season. Stacy Andrews gets tagged again. Some could even make the argument for Shayne Graham. Yes, the kicker!
The Bengals cannot afford to make the same mistake they did when they tagged Justin Smith and let Eric Steinbach walk exposing the quarterback.
Remember this about rumors: They sometimes turn into reality. Welcome back, Chris Henry!
Interesting read: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-tradebait100808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
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Comments
By David V.
October 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I know this is a rumor…but what if it isn’t? If T.J. is traded, the person we get better protect the franchise. Hopefully, Mike Brown doesn’t trade him for a draft pick-the Bengals need help yesterday.
By Elizabeth
October 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the in depth explanation and analysis of the situation. I know the Bengals won’t tell Ludwig the truth. Why would they? Why should they? Your insight on the situation is well thought out and not just a knee jerk reaction to a touchy situation. It would be sad to see TJ go, he is such an asset to the team. But the Bengals need to make some major changes if they want to be able to compete in the NFL. And that trade would make sense.Thanks for the update!
By Go '9ers
October 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Good point! Just like the Bengals told the truth about Chris Henry coming back. I would love to see Houshmandzadeh on a better team. The Bengals owe him that and should not think about tagging him.
By Housh deserves better
October 9, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
It would be nice to see T.J. on a better team, but it won’t happen until free agency.
By John
October 9, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
TJ won’t be as effective elsewhere, as he is with the Bengals. He may go if he is seeking more money, but he should stay here to continue to be valuable; even to himself. As a number 1 or number two receiver on another team, he will be better covered on pass plays and not have the completion percentage he has today as a Bengal. He looks good here because Chad, and now Henry, get the double and triple coverage, leaving TJ more open to receive more often. Also, Palmer can make a lot of receivers look good, with his accurate passing style. Very few teams have a QB with Carson’s talent. TJ should hope the Bengals don’t trade him, then re-sign asap with the Bengals. (Unless he wants more money, instead of a better statistical career).
By Dan - Austin, TX
October 9, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
TJ won’t be as effective elsewhere? Right. He’ll probably be better! He is the best receiver on the team. It’s not even close. He can make catches all over the field. Chad is only effective on the deep ball - not super tough over the middle. Not to rip on Chad too much for that because Carson has nearly gotten him killed so many times. But TJ is as tough as they come and keeps making the catches down the middle knowing he’s going to lake a lick. He’s a man’s man.
By kev
October 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
i dont know about that dan from austin tx. tj is the best reciever on that team i agree..i am a bengals fan and have been all my life..but not many QB’s in the NFL are as good as carson palmer..brady,both mannings,brett favre maybe..palmer is better than 98% of the leagues QB’s..i doubt tony romo could even make tj look as good as palmer does
By wornoutfan
October 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I say get rid of the whole sorry team.From the ownership on down.Can you say…EMBARASSMENT !!!
By JosephSmits
October 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
No no, the Embarrassment team right now is Oakland. I would love to see TJ stays, but if Bengals can trade him for some Line protection, that would be great, a great QB needs a great line to protect him…Don’t make the Justin Smith mistake again….
By Rob
October 13, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this
Trade Mike Brown!!
By chuck
October 13, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
We need a new off.corr. not new players look at the talent on this team it’s not just Bengal fans that are shaking there heads is the NFL. We need someone who knows how to call a football game.