Chad Johnson to Philly? Not Dead Yet

Since the end of their disappointing season back in late December to voluntary work outs at Bengals camp that started a week ago, star receiver Chad Johnson has made it clear he’s not happy. There has been a buzz across the NFL that Ocho Cinco wants out of Cincinnati, but each complaint was met with the same response: the Bengals are not trading him, period.  The media loved this story, hell, even we couldn’t get enough of it. We ate it up for 2 reasons. The first is that this guy is a lightning rod, he isn’t a *expletive of your choice here* like Terrell Owens, but he isn’t afraid to talk…a lot, to say the least. His touchdown celebrations have resulted in fine after fine, and at times he seems more interested in his acting than his play. But don’t make the mistake this guy doesn’t care about the game. The second reason the media ate up these rumors is Chad Johnson the wide receiver, the playmaker, the tall and extremely fast wide receiver who puts up ridiculous numbers. Need proof? Take a look:

2003: 90 rec – 1,355 yds – 10 TD

2004: 95 rec – 1,274 yds – 9 TD

2005: 97 rec – 1,432 yds – 9 TD

2006: 87 rec – 1,369 yds – 7 TD

2007: 93 rec – 1,440 yds – 8 TD

Not too shabby. Any of those seasons far eclipses any of the ’star’ receivers the Eagles have had (T.O. for one year aside) like Freddie Mitchell, Todd Pinkston, and the unstoppable Bobby McMullen. So yes, the guy backs up his trash talk. But why talk about this story again? Well, it’s funny what happens when star players reach new levels of frustration…

This article from the Cincinnati Enquirer was in the papers today and created the stir. Marvin Lewis, Bengals head coach, was for months and months the main voice behind the team’s decision to not trade number 85. But it seems even the head coach is worn down from the complaints of his star wide receiver.

The next logical question would be, would Chad Johnson fit in Philly?

Yes. That can’t be stressed enough. Today, Andy Reid said he’s fine with the uh, playmakers, the Eagles have already. But that talk is all fine and good, until the possibility of a player like Chad Johnson comes into the market. Remember when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl a few years back? Seems like a lifetime ago, but it’s largely due to the tall, fast receiver we had that will now go unnamed. I give the Eagles immense amounts of credit for beefing up the defense in free agency, signing Asante Samuel on the first day of the free agency period was a bold statement. But even with Westbrook, this team needs one more piece. Chad Johnson could be that piece, and it could be a straight up, one for one, kind of trade.

Ever since the before mentioned signing of Samuel, disgruntled corner Lito Sheppard has been talked about in just about every trade imaginable. Let’s recap quickly: the Eagles have one too many corners and the very good corner who is disgruntled wants out. The Bengals have a very good receiver who is disgruntled and wants out. Oh, and this should be mentioned too:

Bengals 2007 Defensive ranks:

Total Defense: 27th

Passing Defense: 26th (giving up just over 230 yards a game)

The Bengals have a lot of weapons on offense, don’t forget they have Palmer, Rudi, and T.J. What they don’t have is any kind of defense, especially with Justin Smith signing with the 49ers. Lito Sheppard is a pro-bowl corner. He has exceptional talent and in all likelihood, it seems like his days in Philly are numbered, no matter what team he goes to.

So, why not make the trade? It makes sense for both teams. The Bengals start to build up a terrible defense and the Eagles get that one playmaker that they need. I’m not saying it’s going to happen…but it sure is fun to think it might.

photo from bengalsgab.com