Ravens grab Houshmandzadeh

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens upgraded their receiving corps again by agreeing to terms Monday with T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The 10-year veteran was cut by Seattle last week. He signed with the Seahawks as a free agent before the 2009 season and had a team-high 79 catches for 911 yards and three touchdowns. But that deal was signed with Jim Mora as coach and Tim Ruskell as general manager, and both are gone from Seattle. So, too, is Houshmandzadeh, who was in the second year of a five-year, $40 million contract. Kennard McGuire, Houshmandzadeh’s agent, said the receiver “is excited about playing for such an amazing organization.” In previously bolstering wide receiver, the Ravens traded with Arizona for Anquan Boldin in the offseason and signed free agent Donte’ Stallworth. But Stallworth broke his left foot in the third exhibition game. Baltimore also has veterans Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. The 36-year-old Mason, entering his 14th pro season, has been the Ravens’ most consistent receiver for years. In 2009, he was second to running back Ray Rice on the team with 73 catches and led the Ravens with 1,028 yards. He caught seven touchdown passes. Houshmandzadeh, who will be 33 on Sept. 26, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, for whom he twice exceeded 1,000 yards in a season (2005 and 2006), and three times had at least 90 receptions. His 112 catches in 2007 tied for the league lead with Wes Welker of New England. Even with his release by Seattle, Houshmandzadeh was guaranteed $7 million for the 2010 season.