The Cincinnati Bengals opted to use their franchise tag on kicker Shayne Graham, causing wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh to say the likelihood of him playing elsewhere is “99.2 percent.”

The franchise cost to the Bengals on Houshmandzadeh would have been $9.88 million. Graham is guaranteed $2.5 million.

The team’s Web site said, “Houshmandzadeh said he would consider the Bengals if they offer him ‘a fair deal,’ once free agency opens. But he has said in the past that going by history that hasn’t happened yet.”

The Giants could be in the market for a wide receiver if Plaxico Burress does not return. The team already has told WR Amani Toomer he is not wanted back.

Houshmandzadeh said fellow wide receiver Chad Johnson likely won’t be back with the Bengals either.

“He doesn’t want to be there and if he doesn’t want to be there, let him go,” Houshmandzadeh told Cincinnati.com.