The Facts: The first day to tag free agents came and went Thursday with Houshmandzadeh still not designated and the conventional wisdom continues to be that the Bengals won't make him their franchise free agent. And Houshmandzadeh agrees. "I don't think they will because it won't be the best thing for the team," he said Thursday. "But if they do it, they would probably wait until the last day."
Diehards Line:The last day teams can designate their free agents is two weeks from Thursday on Feb. 19, eight days before free agency begins. If the Bengals were to franchise Houshmandzadeh, they would have to tender him a one-year deal for $9.88 million. Houshmandzadeh doesn't want to be franchised because it would restrict his mobility. As previously noted, Houshmandzadeh suggested an interest in the Eagles on Wednesday. Seattle and San Francisco have also been mentioned as possible destinations.