End of update.
It is looking like the Oakland Raiders may be trying to make new quarterback Carson Palmer as comfortable as possible to help him succeed. Bill Williamson is reporting on ESPN that the Raiders have reportedly worked out veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and that they will give him a physical on Tuesday.
While Houshmandzadeh's abilities have declined the past few seasons, he might still be able contribute to an NFL team if put in the right situation.
The Raiders don't really need Houshmandzadeh, but I think perhaps he could help the Raiders' young receivers get better. Other than Derek Hagan, there isn't really a veteran WR in the Raiders locker room to help the young players develop. And while Hagen is a veteran player, he hasn't had the success in the NFL that Houshmandzadeh has. Hagen can't give the same advice to a young receiver that someone who has survived both disappointment and success in the league can.
Houshmandzadeh has enjoyed great success in the NFL, and he may be someone who can pull a young player aside and help them improve as a player and as a person. Sometimes, a veteran player who has been through several seasons and has had good success in the league can also better understand how to recover from a bad game or better prepare for an important game. Houshmandzadeh may be able to help the Raiders in that area.
One problem with adding Houshmandzadeh would be making room for him on the roster. The Raiders have several young talented receivers on their roster, and many would be very hesitant to cut any of them. Of course, the Raiders wouldn't necessarily have to cut a receiver to make room for Houshmandzadeh; it could be any of a number of players who would be cut to make room for him.
One receiver that I think is expendable wou...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
