With the NFL's trading deadline less than a week away, there is already one big name that has hit the rumor mill.

There are reports that the San Francisco 49ers are interested in the Bengals T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Housh is a free agent after this season and there doesn't seem to be any way the team can keep him (other than using the franchise tag).

According to a league source, Houshmandzadeh's name has come up quite frequently during conversation at Niners headquarters in recent weeks. Apparently, 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz is enamored with Houshmandzadeh and may have learned some positive things about the receiver from a member of the Zampese family who Martz remains close to.

Housh tied the Patriots' Wes Welker for the NFL lead in receptions last season. Currently, he is by far the team leader in receptions (31), receiving yards (351) and touchdown receptions (three). He caught seven passes for 85 yards and two TDs against the Cowboys last week.

Despite being 2-3, the Niners have a great shot at winning the weak NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals lead the division at 3-2 but doesn't have the look of a runaway champion. The Seattle Seahawks are in shambles right now and the St. Louis Rams look like the worst team in the NFL. It is there for the taking and adding Houshmandzadeh to the Niners could put them over the top.