Rumor Mill: Houshmandzadeh Interested In Joining Philly

One of the league's top wideouts, T.J Houshmandzadeh, has spoken about where he wants to play next season. Since he is a free agent, Houshmandzadeh will be seeing many offers from around the league, including the Cincinatti Bengals. The Bengals have a chance to place the franchise tag on him, but reports have stated that the Bengals will not use the franchise tag on a wideout, even if it's their best receiver. So where will Houshmandzadeh play in 2009? Yesterday, he appeared on a Philadelphia radio station and was asked about his chances of playing for the Eagles:

"If the Eagles are interested in me, let's put it like this. If they'll be interested in me, I'll be interested in them," he said when asked if the Eagles would be his top choice... "Did you watch the Eagles and the Bengals game during the season? I was just giving Andy Reid an interview in person," Houshmandzadeh said. "That's all I was doing. I was giving him a three-month interview ahead of time. That's all."

Landing Houshmandzadeh would solve all the answers to their desperate need for a receiver. Possibly their weakest position, the Eagles have not had a #1 wideout since the departure of Terrell Owens. Their leading receiver last season was rookie DeSean Jackson, who reeled in 62 catches for 912 yards, but only scored twice during the regular season. Besides Jackson, the Eagles got no help from their receivers. Kevin Curtis was unable to play for the beginning portion of the season, and struggled to consistently play at a good level when he returned to action. Reggie Brown may have been the biggest disappointment for the Birds, as he couldn't even catch a cold during the season.

If the Eagles want to take the next step and play for the Lombardi Trophy, they must bring in a star receiver. Houshmandzadeh would easily fit that spot, since he had 30 more receptions than the Eagles leading receiver last season. Also, Houshmandzadeh had an off year in 2008, not nearly putting up the numbers he has put up in past seasons. This could stem from the Quarterback play in Cincinatti. Would Housmandzadeh rather have Ryan Fitzpatrick or Donovan McNabb throwing him passes? Yes, I know Carson Palmer will be back next season, but even then, I'm not sure if Palmer will be able to regain his former play. Just imagine the Eagles with a healthy Westbrook and T.J Housmandzadeh on the outside. Donovan McNabb could easily put up Pro Bowl numbers and finally lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.