Rumors Run Amok: Lito Sheppard for Chad Johnson?

I have been hearing all of the rumors purporting that the Eagles are trying to trade Lito Sheppard for numerous superstar receivers. The most prevalent of these rumors of late involve the disgruntled Chad Johnson. 

While I agree that a true, No. 1 receiver would be nice, the general population needs to get a grip on themselves and not repeat any wild rumor they may have heard. 

There are legitimate sources that make it their livelihoods to uncover possible comings and goings in the NFL. However, a vast majority of rumors are cited as coming from sources that are far from reliable.

Let us think about a recent Chad Johnson trade rumor. It has been hoped that the Bengals would soften their "no-trade" stance they are currently employing with regards to Johnson. 

This idea stems from the June 1 date in which releases and trades can be made without steep cap penalties, as would be the case if Johnson was traded before June 1. 

While it seems to be a good idea for the Eagles to dangle Lito as trade bait for this move, it makes no sense. 

If the Bengals have ever wanted to send their best receiver to another team, they would have jumped all over the pair of first-round picks the Redskins offered them before the draft. They did not. 

Therefore, why on Earth would they trade for Lito and a first-round pick, which is the speculation of what the Eagles would offer. If the Birds offer more, they are giving up too much for a receiver over 30 that has had some attitude problems.

Rumors are fun. I know that. But after a while, hearing the same rumor over and over gets old. Those rumors are especially tiring when they are unfounded and as close to wild speculation as you can get. 

Leave it to the people whose job it is to report transactions in the NFL.