"The Vikings have made their pitch to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Now all they can do is wait.

After meeting with team officials for 5 1/2 hours Sunday at Winter Park, the top wide receiver on the NFL's free-agent market told his agent he needed to sleep on his decision. He remained in the Twin Cities on Sunday night and presumably will make a decision today.

The three-team race for Houshmandzadeh includes the Vikings, Bengals and Seahawks. The financial factor likely will play a significant role in his decision. Houshmandzadeh, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Bengals, is believed to have received more lucrative offers from both Cincinnati and Seattle."