T.J. Houshmandzadeh: Reunion with Carson Palmer Makes Sense for Oakland Raiders

Carson Palmer will be reunited with T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Oakland as the Oakland Raiders signed T.J. to a one-year, $910,000 contract. 

Houshmandzadeh, 34, played a total of five seasons with Palmer as a part of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2004-2008.

T.J. experienced his greatest success playing with Palmer, as he totaled 70 or more receptions and at least 900 receiving yards in every season with Palmer throwing to him.  

Houshmandzadeh practiced with Palmer during the offseason and brings an instant chemistry with Palmer. No other Raiders receiver had any experience with Palmer prior to his arrival. 

With no consistent receiver on the Oakland Raiders, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be a welcomed addition to an inexperienced wide receiver corps. 

Houshmandzadeh is coming off the second-worst season in his 10-year career. As a Baltimore Raven last season, T.J. had 30 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns. 

T.J. has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, to go along with three seasons of 90 or more receptions.

No current Oakland Raiders wide receiver has had more than 60 catches or 700 yards in any season in their career.

Third-year receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is on pace for the best season of his short career. He leads all Raiders with 27 catches and 434 receiving yards this season.

Starters Jacoby Ford and Darrius Heyward-Bey are both 24 years old, meaning T.J. Houshmandzadeh instantly provides the Raiders with a veteran wide receiver.

Sure T.J. has lost some speed, but his experience with Carson Palmer plus sure hands instantly improves the inexperienced Oakland Raiders receiving corps.