The Cincinnati Bengals will think long and hard about releasing WR Chad Ochocinco as he's due $6 million for the 2011 season. The Bengals are in rebuilding mode with QB Carson Palmer's future uncertain, WR Terrell Owens on the way out and QB Andy Dalton stepping in at some point.
If Chad Ochocinco Is Released From Bengals, Patriots Could Make Sense
So Ochocinco isn’t expected to return to the Bengals, the only team he’s ever known in the NFL. Though he’s 33 years old and seemingly more interested in Twitter, soccer and bull-riding than football, Ochocinco will be signed by someone.
Peter King of SI.com predicts it could be the...New England Patriots.
I’m not sure if I can see that happening. One of the tenants of playing for Bill Belichick is that football has to be very, very important to you and, with Twitter, soccer and bull riding, I’m not sure you can say that about Ochocinco.
That said, Ochocinco does work hard and there is an argument that he can still be productive. He was over 1,000 yards in 2009 and could still be productive given the right situation.
The problem with any team signing Ochocinco is that you have to be prepared for the sideshow that comes with it. You’re not just signing Ochocinco -- you’re signing the added attention, increased cameras and celebrity.
If the Bengals release Ochocinco when the lockout ends, we should quickly have a better idea of where he’ll land. Check out Cincy Jungle for more on Ochocinco and the Bengals.
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