Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Crazy Moves That Could Solve Their Problems

The Cincinnati Bengals stink and are looking to next year.

The lowly Bengals have lost seven in a row. There was a time when Terrell Owens wrote that the Bengals would be Super Bowl contenders. Yeah, seems like yesterday, huh?

They could fire Marvin Lewis, of course. Check here for a list of candidates if that happens.

Anyway, the Bengals need to be bold. Here is how they can solve their problems.

1. Trade Carson Palmer for Vince Young

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans throws against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Vince Young and Carson Palmer are two quarterbacks that need a change of scenery.

Young, like Steve McNair before him, has fallen out of favor with Titans coach Jeff Fisher. Palmer, like Jon Kitna before him, is an average quarterback with questionable arm strength.

Here is how their contracts stack up (from RotoWorld):

Vince Young
2011: $8.5 million (+ $4.25 million roster bonus), 2012: Free Agent

Carson Palmer
2011-2012: $11.5 million, 2013: $13 million, 2014: $14 million, 2015: Free Agent

The Bengals may have to pay some of Palmer's salary to make it work. This deal would give Fisher the pocket quarterback he desires, while the Bengals would get an athletic playmaker.

2. Draft Cam Newton

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers rushes upfield against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Bengals should follow these steps:

1. Draft Cam Newton.

2. Install the spread offense with some wildcat mixed in.

3. Watch the wins pile up.

Let Vince Young play in 2011, and then Newton can take over in 2012.

Last year, the Bengals proved that they can run block. The Bengals should go with their strengths.

Check here for some pros and cons on drafting Newton.

3. Sign Logan Mankins

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 02: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots reacts after BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 2, 2008 in Indianapoli

Logan Mankins is a two-time Pro Bowl guard who currently plays for the Patriots. There is a good chance Mankins will be available to the highest bidder at the end of the season. That team should be the Bengals.

Mankins would improve the line immediately.

4. Sign Shawne Merriman

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers waits on the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Step

On the field, Shawne Merriman hasn't played well in a long time. Off the field, Merriman has had his share of problems.

This sounds like the perfect player for Mike Brown to bring in. Line him up on third downs and let him sack the quarterback. Merriman should still be able to do that.

5. Blow Up the Team

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CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 18: Defensive end Antwan Odem #98 of the Cincinnati Bengals is taken off the field on a cart after an injury against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on October 18, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Ima

At the end of the season, the Bengals should part ways with all of these players:

1. Antwan Odom

2. Robert Geathers

3. Terrell Owens

4. Chad Ochocinco

5. Cedric Benson

6. Roy Williams

7. Tank Johnson

8. Frostee Rucker

9. Chris Crocker

10. Jordan Palmer