NFL Trade Speculation: 6 Teams That Would Welcome Chad Ochocinco with Open Arms

By (Correspondent) on July 18, 2011

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 24:  Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson watches the Miami Heat play against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Chad Ochocinco has been quite the busy man this offseason.

He first tried out for a Major League Soccer team. That didn't work out.

He then tried to ride a bull. That went worse than his soccer tryout.

I think we could all agree that Chad's best skill is still catching a football as a receiver in the NFL. Now that the lockout will soon be lifted, he should probably start preparing for that again.

His days in Cincinnati may be numbered at this point, however. It wouldn't be surprising to see him moved before the season starts.

A number of teams should show interest in him as he still has the skills to be a solid threat.

Chicago Bears

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23:  Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks on while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears had a great run to the NFC title game last year, despite a somewhat suspect passing game.

Jay Cutler heads it all and he must play better next year in order for the Bears to advance further, but it would help if he had a big name to throw to.

The Bears' best receiver is Johnny Knox, who caught 51 passes for just under 1,000 yards this past year. Not bad numbers for a guy who is no better than a team's No. 2.

By bringing in Ochocinco, the Bears would finally have a big-name receiver for Cutler to throw the ball to.

He wouldn't put up the numbers he did from 2002-2007, but with a good running game in place, he could help stretch the field.

San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02:    Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers have an up-and-coming defense, an improving offensive line, and a solid running game. The one thing missing is a passing game.

Alex Smith has struggled since being the first pick in 2004, but new coach Jim Harbaugh seems to like him.

Michael Crabtree has not lived up to expectations as of yet, and bringing in Chad could help both him and Smith grow. He would also be an upgrade over Josh Morgan at the No. 2 spot.

Chad would be a nice target to go alongside Vernon Davis, and would also be able to help Frank Gore as he may open up the running game.

Tennessee Titans

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23:  Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans had major quarterback issues in 2010, and that explains their selection of Jake Locker with the eigth pick in the draft.

He will most likely start from day one. The problem is that other than Chris Johnson behind him, he doesn't have much to work with.

Kenny Britt has had too many run-ins with the law and could be headed out, and Nate Washington is a solid two or three receiver.

Chad Ochocinco could come in and be the main guy from the get-go. Although he may not be the best bet to help a young quarterback develop, he is someone Locker could look to as his main man.

Minnesota Vikings

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27:  Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles throws for a first down during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings made a gamble by selecting Christian Ponder with the 12th overall pick, and we'll have to wait and see if it plays out, as he is projected as the starter.

There have been some rumblings that Sidney Rice may not be coming back next season, and that would hurt the receiving core.

Chad Ochocinco could be brought in to help fill Rice's vacancy. Although older, he possesses some of the skills Rice did, except for the jump ball ability.

With Peterson in the backfield and Harvin as another solid threat on the outside, it would benefit Ponder to be able to throw the ball to a guy like Ochocinco.

New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16:  Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty
Elsa/Getty Images

The New England Patriots always have one of the best offenses in the league despite not having household running backs and receiver. We can thank Tom Brady for that.

The Patriots could benefit greatly from Ochocinco joining their roster.

They took a big gamble by bringing in a hot-headed receiver in Randy Moss a few years ago, and it paid off big-time.

Ochocino has the same type of attitude as Moss, and I think the Patriots locker room would be able to keep him under wraps.

The prospect of Brady throwing to a guy like Chad would make the entire league scared, as it would be a great duo that would make the Patriots' running game and offense that much better.

Washington Redskins

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05:  Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks to throw a pass against the New York Giants on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7.  (
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Redskins had one of the worst offenses in the league last year. They couldn't find a healthy running back, and Donovan McNabb struggled to fit into the new system.

The Redskins have absolutely nothing at the wide receiver spot, as their best option will be rookie Leonard Hankerson.

They still have Chris Cooley at tight end, but his production has also diminished in the last few years.

Trading for Chad would greatly help the Redskins at that spot.

It should also help Donovan as he would have an experienced, reliable target to throw the ball to.

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