NFL: Possible Destinations for Chad Ochocinco

Now that Chad Ochocinco is no longer a member of the New England Patriots, the possible destinations for him are probably limited.

At this point in his career, Ochocinco is obviously not what he once was. His production declined last season while he made headlines off the field. 

As an Ochocinco fan, I was intrigued by him playing with Tom Brady last season. I was disappointed with how he was used, but I kept waiting for a breakout game. As the Super Bowl approached, I hoped he would be a key part of their offense in the big game. His catch in the Super Bowl was a nice moment to add to his great career.

The Patriots were able to get Ochocinco to restructure his contract in the offseason but continued to add wide receivers. While releasing him was not a huge surprise, it is time to wonder if we have seen the last of him.

Many teams do not want to bring in a guy like Ochocinco because of the distraction he may become.  

Will Chad find a new team? 

For a guy that genuinely respects the game and the fans, I hope he is able to. There are a few teams who have been linked to him in the past and some intriguing fits.

Miami Dolphins

A homecoming for Ochocinco would be a nice story. Originally from Miami, he would love to play at home.

The Dolphins are looking for a way to attract fans and will appear on Hard Knocks. Ochocinco on Hard Knocks would certainly help the show’s ratings. The Dolphins could pursue him and hope he is still able to sell tickets.

After getting rid of Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason, Miami may not want to take a chance on another big-name receiver. Rookie Ryan Tannehill would benefit from having a playmaker like Ochocinco but could also be frustrated by some of his antics. 

This seems to be the most logical fit for Ochocinco, but the Dolphins could decide to pass on this opportunity. 

New York Jets

The New York Jets were linked to Ochocinco at one point after he mentioned them as a possible destination.

He loves Rex Ryan as a coach and could end up in New York. The Jets are always making headlines by bringing in new players, and after experimenting with Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress, Ochocinco may be the next big-name receiver to join them. 

This probably will not happen after trading for Tim Tebow. Not even Rex Ryan and the Jets could handle the distractions that come with both Tebow and Ochocinco.

Ochocinco to the Jets is probably every NFL fan’s nightmare. The media attention he would receive would be overwhelming. 

If this were to happen, Rex Ryan would try to find a way to utilize Ochocinco on offense. 

Denver Broncos

Just to clarify, the Broncos have not been linked to Ochocinco. I just find this as an intriguing fit (especially since this is where he caught his first touchdown as a Patriot).

Denver made the move of the offseason by signing Peyton Manning, but they now need to improve his offensive weapons. 

The Broncos signed former Colt Brandon Stokley and former Bengal Andre Caldwell to add depth at receiver, but Ochocinco would provide experience to this young receiving corps.

A Manning-Ochocinco combination would be fun to watch. The Patriots did not use Ochocinco because they had alternatives. The Broncos do not have nearly the same kind of talent the Patriots have. He would have a legitimate shot to win a Super Bowl if he went to Denver.

Oakland Raiders

When Hue Jackson was still Oakland’s coach, Ochocinco had been linked to the Raiders.

Oakland is now completely different than when those talks were happening. Jackson was let go and returned to Cincinnati. Ochocinco’s former quarterback Carson Palmer now leads the Raiders. 

If Jackson were still the coach, I would consider this to be a real possibility. The coach and receiver had a tight relationship in Cincinnati, and Jackson was able to get the best out of Ochocinco.

Palmer may be the biggest obstacle to Ochocinco coming to Oakland. Despite their success, the two had some issues being on the same page while in Cincinnati together. I do not know if Palmer would want to go through that experience again.

Oakland almost made the playoffs last season despite Palmer never playing a game with running back Darren McFadden, who missed most of the season with an injury. 

The chemistry between Palmer and Ochocinco may still be there and could lead to both players from disappointing seasons.   

Cincinnati Bengals

Not a chance.

The Bengals need a receiver to complement A.J. Green but will not pursue Ochocinco.

The Bengals finally got rid of him and have moved on. Coach Marvin Lewis certainly will not welcome him back after Ochocinco forced his way out of Cincinnati. 

Cincinnati already experimented with an aging Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. After that season turned out to be a bust, it is impossible to imagine the Bengals even considering signing Ochocinco to team up with Green.

Green is on the verge of becoming a star receiver in the NFL, and the Bengals do not want to have Ochocinco negatively influence him.

Although an interesting possibility, a Cincinnati reunion is not going to happen.