Chad Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles: the Impossible Dream

I don’t pretend to fully understand this, but it appears that if the Bengals cut or trade Johnson, they will reportedly have to take a cap hit of anywhere from $5 to $8 million. $8 mill for a player who won’t be wearing your uniform this year is not a good deal. Seems like stuff like this can get worked out in negotiations if you have a flexible trading partner, but it doesn’t look good.

Won’t Happen: Drew Rosenhaus is Johnson’s agent. 

Three words: Driveway. Press. Conference.

Will Happen: Lito Shepherd.

Last time I checked, the Bengals defense was either getting scored on or going to the clink. Lito Shepherd is a Pro-Bowl corner, and at 27 is in the prime of his career. He has missed some games in the past due to injury, but when he plays, he is a difference maker.

I’m not sure if the Bengals know that Shepherd is available, but he is. Hmm, two teams with needs, two teams with players who could help the other—and they’re in different conferences.

Won’t Happen: Terrell Eldorado Owens.

As great as Owens was in ’04, his outsized personality, greed, and mouth were that bad in ’05. Reid was never in favor of Owens and his baggage coming to Philly, having been persuaded by Eagle management and McNabb. Something tells me he is no hurry to get another potential time bomb—no matter much he would help them out.

Will Happen: They don’t need him.

One thing that Bengals haven’t had problems with is scoring points, and Johnson has been a part of that. But what ultimately has it gotten them? The fact is, T.J. Houshmandzadeh (28 TDs last three seasons) is just as good as Johnson (24 TDs last three seasons).

Rudi Johnson is a solid, steady back. And Carson Palmer is arguably a top-five quarterback. Cutting Chris Henry doesn’t even hurt that much, because he’s barely been there the last two years. With or without Johnson, this team will score enough points to win games.

Will Happen: Odell Thurman.

After waiting around and supporting this clown for the past two years, the Bengals decided they’ve had enough, and cut the trouble-making Thurman over the amount of time he was away from the team on a family matter (a funeral, actually). Which after all the other nonsense he’s pulled, seems a little odd to say the least.

The reason I mention this is that maybe this—combined with the cutting of Henry—is a sign that the Bengals are looking to right this ship and go for the proverbial clean slate by parting ways with all the problems in their locker room. I think it’s safe to say Johnson fits into that category.


Ultimately, it’s going to be up to Johnson to bust out of Bengal-land, because he has a contract—not that that has ever stopped a highly motivated, highly talented receiver in this league.

Seeing that Lewis has already called Johnson’s bluff in public, the next move is Johnson’s. Will he back down and vow to play nice, or will he up the ante on Lewis and start the real fireworks?

I don’t know where this ends up, but I do know that Philly loves a good fireworks show.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?