The Curious Case of Chad Ochocinco

  As presented in a very informative article by Lester apparantly Jay Cutler has been calling the controversial Bengals WR for reasons unknown at this point and time. Maybe he could be asking Chad about helping him with the wedding. Or, perhaps he wants to hit up the clubs again with the big "8 5" at the scene. But a good number of us are thinking perhaps Jay Cutler is attempting to recruit him as there is word the Bengals will either release him and/or trade him once this lockout is finally over with. Follow me after the jump to see more about the prospects of him becoming a Bear.

  So for a good while now there have been two major needs for the Bears we fans have keyed on for a while now: WR and interior O-Line. There has been a rather long list of names bounced around on the boards including a few by myself, some of which include Sidney Rice, Terrell Owens (the other Bengals WR), my personal favorite big WR Vincent Jackson, Steve Smith, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Santana Moss, Mike Sims-Walker, and even Plaxico Burress have been associated with talks about the Bears pursuing a WR when FA hits. But if there has been one player who has conjured the most talk, it has to be Chad Ochocinco.

  Technically Chad Ochocinco is still a Bengal; however, when the Bengals went ahead and drafted A.J. Green in the first round of this year's draft then talks intensified surrounding what many believe to be the end to Chad's career as a Bengal. Most cite not only his "advanced age" but also about his "childish" attitude and teaming up with T.O. throwing the team and organization under the bus soon after the season was over. But, some optimists see differantly, pointing him out as an inspired and passionate athlete who absolutely loves the game and tries his damnest to win games. Lets talk a little bit about his career as a Bengal.

  In 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and an okay QB in Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco recorded 66 receiving TDs as well as 10,783 receiving yards in 151 games as a starter, going to the Pro Bowl 6 times and being nominated to  All-Pro honors 3 times in his career. But what is really impressive is the fact that he has gone beyond 1,000 yards receiving in 7 of his 10 seasons, with the only exceptions being 2001 (rookie year) 2008 and 2010. Thats extreamly good for any WR in the NFL today. And to be compleatly honest, I feel the sole reason he hasn't recorded 9 straight 1,000+ yard seasons is because of inconsistant QB play in Cincy. Can he bring any of that amazing talent to Chicago? Lets discuss that next.

  First and foremost Lovie Smith has indicated he wants a WR who fits in the system rather than just signing anyone that is 6'5" or bigger. Although Chad Ochocinco is not the biggest WR we have talked about, he isn't anywhere close to being the smallest (Steve Smith) as he still has good size at 6'1", 192 pounds and despite being 33 years old he has decent speed and his route running is still some of the best in the NFL to go along with his hands. When motivated he is perhaps one of the most dangerous WRs in the entire league with his skills, and considering Mike Martz's scheme features smaller and faster WRs Chad Ochocinco could be an outstanding fit, especially when comparing Cincy's offense to ours. They are some what close to each other in terms of routes and hot reads so the adjustments may be a little easier for Chad to pick up. Plus what he also adds is experiance into this young WR corps as well as someone who can take the pressure off of Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox since most Defenses will be aiming their double teams at Chad. Now am I saying he is the best option for us? Nope, especially if players such as Vincent Jackson gain UFA status depending on the CBA rules. But, if otherwise then out of the current targets when you decide to look past his issues, then Chad Ochocinco could very well be at the top of the list.

  My assumption on this; it is extreamly odd for Jay Cutler to be calling Chad Ochocinco at a time like this, and when Chad Ochocinco calls him "boss" it makes you wonder if Jay Cutler really is trying to get the Bears to aquire Chad's services. If Jay Cutler truly wants him, and if Chad Ochocinco really wants to be on a winning team, then if the price is right I will support the idea. Now I ask you Bears nation:

Do you want to see the Bears aquire Chad Ochocinco?