How we decide
TJ To Get Franchised?
The New England Patriots moved swiftly franchise QB Matt Cassel today at a price of over $14 million a year leading Bengals download horror movies fans to ask whether TJ Houshmandzadeh will also be receiving a franchise tag. While the team has been mum on the subject, TJ has been pleading his case in the media in Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia and ESPN including this comment:
“I don’t think they will because it won’t be the best thing for the team but if they do it, they would probably wait until the last day.”
But is it?
Signing TJ to a long-term deal is probably not likely (whether we think it is a good download sci-fi idea or not), he wants $9 million a year and at his age there is no way Mike Brown is giving him that kind of contract. That said, using the franchise tag makes perfect sense. First, letting TJ leave and keeping Chad while making financial sense sends terrible message as TJ is everything Chad isn’t (team player, willing blocker, and in 2008 productive). The argument that Chad sells tickets does not add up because Chad alienated the fans last year. Second, how can you give overrated Justin Smith and Stacy Andrews franchise tags for approx. $8 million a year yet balk at giving your most productive player a $9 million tag. TJ is more than worth $9 million for one season. Finally, giving K Shayne Graham the tag over TJ. Sure Graham is cheaper but he is a good not great kicker who struggles in the clutch and kicks short kickoffs. TJ is a great wide receiver.
Considering the amount of cap space the Bengals have this off-season the organization will have a major sell job on its hands if it lets TJ walk free. If they decide to sign Ray Lewis or Karlos Dansby instead the sell job might work (we all know the team won’t sign a marquee free agent). If they are deciding to keep Ocho Cinco over TJ they are missing three key points.
1. Chemistry - Chad does not bring it in the locker room.
2. Compensation - Chad can be traded and could possibly bring a late 1st or 2nd (not both). If TJ walks the team could get a 3rd rounder as a compensation pick in 2010.
3. Who is the team’s possession receiver going to be? Ocho Cinco and Chris Henry are more deep threats as is Simpson. Andre Caldwell is a possibility but he is more of a burner than a route runner.
What the Bengals do at wide receiver this off-season will be an interesting story to follow. It is not really an optimistic one though. It would not stun me if the 2009 Bengals don’t have Ocho or TJ playing for it.
Stay Tuned.
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