"The dark cloud looming over the Cincinnati Bengals has continued to cast a shadow over the organization this offseason, and will likely do so until after free agency when some of the cloudiness is expected to clear. However, the forecast is calling for stormy conditions when the NFL's free agency period begins Feb. 27.

The Bengals organization will be faced with some tough decisions during this time, but none tougher than deciding what to do with the team's brightest star wide receiver in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is set to hit the open market.

The team's choices are indeed limited. It's either sign the receiver to a long-term deal before the deadline, place the franchise tag on the player or lose him.

During a phone interview with Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday night, Feb. 10, he was forthcoming about his future with the Bengals and how all the talk of becoming a free agent is affecting him.

"It's not affecting me at all," he said. "We'll see what happens on the 27th and go from there. I'll have some idea when the 19th rolls around of what's going to happen. When those things come around then things will become a lot clearer."

Houshmandzadeh is currently working out in California preparing for next season and will be joined by fellow teammate Chris Henry today, Feb. 12.

There have been reports that Houshmandzadeh is unhappy with his situation in Cincinnati and is ready to distance himself from the dysfunctional family. Some things are true, some not so true. In fact, the receiver would welcome the chance to remain with the Bengals but things would have to be done the right way.

"It would be cool to remain with the Bengals because I got my start there," Houshmandzadeh said. "I'm not a person that prefers lots of change in my life, but if change has to happen, then change has to happen.

"When things like this are ongoing then obviously there are going to be some difference of opinions on your ability. That's the big thing and whatever happens, happens."

The Bengals would have to pay Houshmandzadeh $9.88 million in salary for the 2009 season if they where to slap the franchise tag on him.

"I don't want any part of the tag," he said. "The more I think about, I don't think I'll be franchised. It's a lot of money. If you franchise somebody what are you saying about the player? Obviously, you think he is that type of player, and if you think he's that type of player then you're franchising him."