Why The Bengals Shouldn't Trade T.J. Houshmandzadeh

If the Bengals were to trade T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the San Francisco 49ers, it would be one of the dumbest moves of the Mike Brown era.

Houshmandzadeh has the potential to be a number one receiver on another football team in the NFL. The statistics show it as he has scored 21 touchdowns the past two seasons (not to mention he already has 3 this season).

The situation is perfect in Cincinnati. Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson is clearly the Bengals number one receiver. He has put up 6 straight 1,000+ yard seasons and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Opposing teams are aware of what he is capable of doing on the field. Most of the time, defenses are focused on stopping him.

With the defense's main focus on Ocho Cinco, Houshmandzadeh has a better chance at getting the ball. How many number two receivers in the league have more touchdowns than the team's number one receiver?

In March 2008, the Bengals released wide receiver Chris Henry since he couldn't seem to stay out of trouble. Right before the start of the 2008 season, the Bengals decided to re-sign him. The main reason was because they were in need of receivers. Even when Rudi Johnson went on the trade block, the Bengals were looking for teams willing to trade a wide receiver.

So if you are in need of wide receivers, why on earth would you trade one of the top receivers in football over the past two seasons?

T.J. Houshmandzadeh being traded to San Francisco is more ridiculous than some of the lyrics on  Kevin Federline's "Playing With Fire" rap album. 

If Mike Brown does go through with the trade, they better get something solid in return. I hate when teams give away star players for ridiculous draft picks (insert Randy Moss trade to New England).

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is one of the best receivers in the NFL on paper. As long as Ocho Cinco is still a Bengal, defenses are going to continue to focus on him. This will give Houshmandzadeh more opportunities to get the ball. With Carson Palmer, Ocho Cinco, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals have the potential to be one of the highest scoring offenses each week.

By trading T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the 49ers, it would just be another thing to add to the list of disappointments for the Bengals this season.