The Facts: The Seattle Seahawks will cut ties with Houshmandzadeh by trading or releasing him, according to two league sources, and it will promote former Detroit first-round draft pick Mike Williams into its starting lineup for a Sept. 12 game against San Francisco.
Diehards Line:The 32-year-old Houshmanzadeh will be a bargain for another team this season. His Seahawks contract includes offset language that makes Seattle liable to pay Houshmanzadeh whatever his new team doesn't. So if Houshmanzadeh were to sign a veteran minimum deal of $850,000, the Seahawks would be liable for the remaining $6.15 million balance. ... Meanwhile, Williams will start likely opposite Deion Branch, with Deon Butler and Golden Tate as reserves.