SEATTLE -- Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was sent packing Saturday, cut by the Seahawks after only one season as coach Pete Carroll continued his roster purge.
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Houshmandzadeh, Seattle's leading receiver last season, was in the second year of a five-year, $40 million deal that he signed before 2009. But he came to Seattle under a different regime with Jim Mora as coach and Tim Ruskell the general manager. Both Mora and Ruskell were gone after the Seahawks went 5-11 last season -- and now so is Houshmandzadeh.
Last season, Houshmandzadeh caught 79 passes for 911 yards and three touchdowns, his fewest receptions since 2005 and his fewest scores since 2002. But he still was the Seahawks' No. 1 receiver.
That changed this spring when Carroll gave former USC star Mike Williams another opportunity after becoming a bust in Detroit. Williams took advantage of the opportunity with 10 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown during the preseason. Deion Branch will be the other receiver opposite Williams, with rookie Golden Tate, Deon Butler and Ben Obomanu rounding out Seattle's receiving corps.
Even with his release, Houshmandzadeh is guaranteed $7 million for the 2010 season.
Also cut by the Seahawks was third-string quarterback J.P. Losman, leaving the Seahawks with just starter Matt Hasselbeck and backup Charlie Whitehurst to begin the season.
The team also placed offensive tackle Ray Willis on season-ending injured reserve and reached injury settlements with defensive end Nick Reed and defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis.
It was all part of a hectic Saturday for the Seahawks, who were thrown another surprise when offensive line coach Alex Gibbs abruptly retired. The team also acquired offensive lineman Stacy Andrews from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2011 draft pick, but the Seahawks said the deal still was awaiting formal NFL approval.
Other veterans cut by the Seahawks included linebacker Tyjuan Hagler; wide receivers Brandon Jones and Ruvell Martin; defensive tackle Amon Gordon and defensive end James Wyche. Safety Jamar Adams and running back Louis Rankin, both contributors for Seattle at the end of last season, were waived.
The Seahawks also placed linebacker Leroy Hill on the suspended list as he serves a one-game suspension issued by the league for off-the-field legal issues. He'll be eligible to rejoin the team on Sept. 13, following their season opener against the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
