Time for Chad Johnson

Just do it already! It's June 1—time for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a serious run for Chad Johnson (a serious run, not another repeat of their lame attempt to bring Randy Moss to Philadelphia). A deal makes sense for the Eagles. A deal makes sense for the Bengals.  

Releasing Chad at this time would make cap sense for the Bengals and close out the summer-long feud between the team and their star wide receiver (after June 1 the $8.03 million salary cap hit could be spread across two years). Trading for Chad at this time would allow the Eagles to bring closure to the Lito Sheppard issue before the next round of mini-camps.

The Eagles need to make the Bengals an offer that can't be refused, whether it is a combination of 2009 draft picks that include one (or both) of their number one picks (the Eagles seem to have stopped using number-one picks anyway!) or offering a number one pick and Lito Shepard.  

As a Philadelphia fan, I'm tired of Andy Reid stating that the current core of receivers is just fine. Andy needs to listen to the requests of his star quarterback and running back...more playmakers are needed!  

The team's public interest in trying to sign Randy Moss shows their need and desire to bring in a top-flight receiver. Recent rumors of a possible move of Lito to the offense again shows that the offense is still without adequate playmakers. Constant commenting on the receiving abilities of newly acquired running back Booker also highlights the lack of quality at the WR position. Booker had difficulty getting on the field for a 1-15 Dolphins team!

Philadelphia loves the big play ability that Desean Jackson brings to the return game, but can a team really depend on a receiver of his stature (press coverage at the line) to be effective as a WR? And we can't forget, Jackson is a rookie and the Eagle rookie receivers have a history of taking years to get on the field and master the complexities of the west coast system.

Recent history shows that the team and McNabb are at their best when they are equipped with a dominant, true no. 1 receiver (see 2001 and Mr. Terrell Owens). TO brought a swagger and attitude to the offense, which has been missing since his departure. Chad Johnson would bring these elements back to the team plus his 93 catches, 1440 yards, and eight touchdowns (on a off-year!). Chad would also allow the team's other wide receivers to move into their true roles.

Reggie Brown would flourish as a number two (see Todd Pinkston's numbers in 2001) and Kevin Curtis would dominate in the slot (see Wes Welker in New England). There would be less focus and game planning by opposing teams on Westbrook, which would make him even more effective, limit the wear on his body and extend his prime years.

2008 could be the last year before the team's "window of opportunity" slams shut. McNabb will most likely be wearing an opposing teams colors in 2009, Dawkins will be another year closer to ending his HOF career, and another crop of quality veterans will be gone (Thomas and Runyan).

The team's offseason moves have shown the desire to turn around last year's mediocrity. A strong defense has the possibly to be dominant while the special teams might actually be something special. Bringing Chad to Philadelphia is the final missing piece for the offense. Make the trade for Chad...just do it!