NFL Free Agency 2011: Chad Ochocinco Looking at Detroit Lions as New Home?

It is not typically in my nature to report anything unfounded—or worse, something floating around on Twitter.

But some things have come to my attention regarding the man once known as Chad Johnson.

Chad Ochocinco, as he is known today, has been connected with the Detroit Lions several times in recent weeks.

First it was his soccer showdown with Ndamukong Suh, which seemed to make sense.

Today, Ochocinco worked out with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and afterwards had this to say on his Twitter feed.

"@Bigplaycj if you are #MegaTron I think I should be like a little #GoBot,what you think?"

Harmless enough, sure. People say things that mean nothing on their Twitter feeds everyday. I mean, the entire platform is premised on it.

But there is more to the story. Cincinnati is looking to draft a wide receiver high in the draft. Terrell Owens is gone, Carson Palmer wants out and reportedly so does Ochocinco.

One of a number of tweets regarding the end of his time in Cincinnati reads, "I love Cincy,but coach Lewis is mean to me now so I think I am gone."

Is it a coincidence that all of this is happening at once?

The lockout lifts, signaling an impending start to free agency. Two days later, Ochocinco sets up a passing/workout session with two Detroit Lions and then starts going on about the end of his time in Cincinnati.

It may just be Twitter hearsay, but does anyone else think this is all just a tad bit coincidental?

Jahvid Best doesn't. He seems to think Ochocinco to Detroit could be a real thing based his own tweet: "@ochocinco join the squad bra, we finna do big things."

Remember, teams still can't make any contact with players, regardless of what team they're on. But Ochocinco's a smart guy, and he certainly knows how to speak his mind. I can't help but wonder if all this public contact with Lions players is his way of publicly calling up Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew and asking them for a shot.

Ochocinco may no longer be the dominant force he once was, but at 33, he's not over the hill either.

He certainly provides a better alternative as a second option than anything on the Lions roster right now. Sure, his personality is one of the league's bigger ones, but he's no Terrell Owens.

Owens torpedoes every team he's on. Ochocinco draws a lot of attention, but he has been a Bengal for a decade and has been, overall, a positive influence.

Ochocinco is a little like Rasheed Wallace was for the Pistons. He has a reputation as a loudmouth and even a troublemaker, maybe unfairly. But he loves his team and his teammates, and though it may seem like his personality makes him a "me first" type of football player, his primary goal is to win.

If anything, Ochocinco's boisterous demeanor provides a counterbalance to Calvin Johnson, who is very quiet and perhaps the least outspoken receiver in football.

I don't know if this is all good or bad. I don't even know if it's happening. But it's something to think about, especially heading into the draft tomorrow.

If the Lions neglect drafting a wide receiver at any point this weekend, perhaps they've gotten Ochocinco's message.

UPDATE: Maybe I'm overreacting here, but if I am, I have company. ESPN's Kevin Seifert thinks there might be something here, too.