Seattle's newest receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh talks to reporters at the team's Renton facility.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was everything the Seattle Seahawks want in a big-time free agent signee. He was well-spoken, confident, candid and direct during the 30 minutes or so he talked with reporters and other media members at the team’s practice facility.

And he also was accommodating, sticking around for several minutes afterward to do radio and TV spots. Here’s some of what we gleaned from talking to T.J. today.

Houshmandzadeh will wear No. 18, which may not be a good sign for Koren Robinson. Houshmandzadeh said he chose that number because it’s the same number he wore while playing at Oregon State and Cerritos College. Bobby Engram currently wears No. 84, which T.J. wore in Cincinnati. However, Houshmandzadeh said he doesn’t care what number he gets.
He also believes Seattle has one of the best receiving corps in the league now with his addition to the team.
He also believes Seattle has one of the best receiving corps in the league now with his addition to the team.

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The Seattle Seahawks will have a press conference today at 11 a.m. presumably to announce the signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. I’ll post reactions from the press conference soon after along with the full transcript.

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New Seattle defensive tackle Colin Cole talked with Seattle-area reporters about his decision to join the Seahawks Monday afternoon.

He said he was excited to come to Seattle and ready for an opportunity to start alongside defensive defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.

At 6-1, 330 pounds, Cole will be more of a run stuffer, and Mebane is expected to rush the passer more. Cole said he enjoyed his time in Green Bay, but decided to come to Seattle because he believed the Packers would not give him an opportunity to start.

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Even in double coverage T.J. Houshmandzadeh can come up with the touch catch (Tony Overman/The Olympian).

One thing you know about T.J. Houshmandzadeh is he will get open, and once he’s open, catch the ball. At 6-1, 200 pounds, he's the big receiver the Seahawks have been looking for. He still has enough speed and quickness to create separation, yet he can use his body to shield defenders from the ball in tight situations, and has great ball skills.

A look at his numbers over the past four years proves his value as a possession receiver. Houshmandzadeh leads the league in receptions over he last four years with 372. That's right -- more than Larry Fitzgerald (368) and Steve Smith (351). Terrell Owens? Not in the conversation (262). Wes Welker? Hasn't done it for long enough (319). Hines Ward? Nope (295).

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