"Despite a spirited effort, the Vikings' bid to land coveted free-agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was foiled by a familiar foe: the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks exacted revenge three years after the Vikings wrested Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson from them by including a "poison pill" in a seven-year, $49 million contract.

The Vikings persuaded Houshmandzadeh to leave Seattle on Saturday, escorting him to Minnesota via private jet, and they wined and dined him during a 24-hour visit. But despite a strong push from the Vikings, Houshmandzadeh left Minnesota without signing a contract, and the Seahawks landed him Monday after reportedly increasing their offer.

The National Football Post, a Web site run by two former NFL executives and two agents, reported that the Seahawks offered almost $2 million more than the closest competitor. ESPN reported that Houshmandzadeh received a five-year, $40 million contract that included $15 million in guarantees.

It's too early to read much into the contract numbers, because terms often are exaggerated. But the $8 million average might have been too steep a price for the Vikings. Two other 30-something receivers, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, signed deals last year that averaged $9 million a year, but Houshmandzadeh doesn't have comparable credentials and isn't regarded as a No. 1 receiver.

He also turns 32 in September. "