Despite the fact that staying with the Cincinnati Bengals may prove to be Chad Ochocinco’s best option, the public seems to be convinced that it’s time for the Bengals WR to make a move. Why would it be the best option for Chad to stay?
If Carson Palmer returns, the variables of the equation will change quite a bit. On top of that, the market for a 33-year old WR, who is arguably on the decline, may not be as generous as the public (and probably Ochocinco himself) would like to believe. Of course, Chad would probably want to make as much as he’s making with the Bengals now and that further limits his options. Anyway, there are other possibilities for him out there nonetheless.
The Oakland Raiders are a club known for past gambles they have taken on players. Add to that the fact that Hue Jackson worked with Ochocinco in the past and that he apparently likes the guy and you have a reasonable variant cooked up. The Raiders are also in need of a veteran WR, and that plays into the picture nicely too. When it comes to teams in need of a WR, the Seattle Seahawks have got to be at the top of the list. Chad may be a high-maintenance guy, but scaring off Pete Carroll is not an easy feat. The Seahawks have been known to take chances on colorful characters before too.
If the price is right, the Chicago Bears may also be an option for the WR. He may be a quirky character, but it’s not like he’s ever seen any kind if legal trouble and while he is certainly a one of a kind guy, he’s not so much about drama than about self promotion. Mike Martz’s idea of an ideal WR might not suit Ochocinco at this stage of his career, but given the limitations of the free agent market, he may still be a profitable edge for the team.