TJ Houshmandzadeh: Latest Oakland Raiders Pickup Will Shine with Carson Palmer

The Oakland Raiders signed wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday in a smart move to improve their depth and talent at the receiver position.

Houshmandzadeh played with current Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer for many years when the two were with the Cincinnati Bengals, and those were the seasons in which Houshmandzadeh had his most productive years.

Houshmandzadeh is a good route runner and will be a consistent possession receiver for the Raiders. He will also provide veteran leadership and playoff experience for a young roster.

There was not a ton of talent out there for wide receivers, and Houshmandzadeh was the best choice for the Raiders.

Terrell Owens is available, but it seems that Palmer does not want to be around him again. Owens's health is also a huge concern.

Houshmandzadeh can help the Raiders right now, and immediately becomes one of their best weapons in the passing game.

The Raiders are one of the best running teams in football, with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush becoming a very good combo, and Houshmandzadeh is a very feisty and physical player who will block pretty well for those guys.

Houshmandzadeh and speedy Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey will make a solid WR tandem, and will give Palmer more quality options in the offense.

With Palmer coming to a new team with high expectations after not having played in a while, finding someone whom he knows, is comfortable with and has had previous success with is a great move for the Raiders.

They have a great chance to make the playoffs this season as a wild card or as the winner of the AFC West division.

Houshmandzadeh played in all 16 games NFL games last season for the Baltimore Ravens, and has plenty of good performances left in his football career.