Houshmandzadeh deal one of Bengals' priorities

The wide receiver tested free agency but always wanted to return to Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a four-year contract Wednesday.
Houshmandzadeh, one of the more attractive free agents this year after a breakout season in 2004, grabbed 73 passes for 978 yards and four touchdowns.
Re-signing him and running back Rudi Johnson have been the Bengals' top priorities in the off-season.
The Bengals say Johnson, designated the team's franchise player, have been told by his agent that a signing may be imminent.
"Right now, we are just at the stage where Rudi and his agent say they intend to sign it," Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said.
"We are awaiting further developments, but are hopeful of having something soon."
Critical to offense
Houshmandzadeh was a seventh-round pick from Oregon State in the 2001 draft.
"T.J. proved last year that he could be a reliable weapon in our offense," said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.
"He made plays in critical situations for us throughout the season."
Houshmandzadeh played in every game, and started 13. He was especially valuable after receiver Peter Warrick was sidelined with injuries.
"It was tempting to get out and really test the water as a free agent, but in my heart, what I wanted was to be in Cincinnati," Houshmandzadeh said.
"I told my agents that, and we were able to get a good deal done.
"I'm glad to have it all off my mind so I can start getting focused. I think the Bengals are going to have a great season, and I want to be a part of it."
Houshmandzadeh set a team record for catches in consecutive games when he had 10 on Dec. 5 at Baltimore and 12 on Dec. 12 at New England.
He and Chad Johnson, who was a teammate at Oregon State, set a Bengals record for most yards (2,252) by a pair of receivers, and their 168 combined catches were one short of the club record in that category.
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