Ocho Cinco is on the clock.
The Redskins yesterday declined comment on reports Cincinnati rejected potentially two first-round picks for Bengals receiver Chad Johnson. But, the Redskins have been chasing the flamboyant playmaker for three months. I’ll believe the trade doesn’t happen when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium on Saturday and says, “With the 21st pick, the Washington Redskins have chosen (fill in your guess.)”
The trade’s possibility can’t be ignored no matter how hard-headed the Bengals remain over keeping Johnson through his 2011 contract. The Bengals say they don’t want to eat $8 million in dead money, but it can be spread over two years and there are other ways to whittle the number. The bottom line is money won’t decide this trade. Helping the Bengals past their anger over Ocho Cinco dissing them is the real key.
The Redskins reportedly offered a first and conditional third that could become a first based on production Johnson should achieve. That’s a fair deal for both sides, especially for Cincinnati given Johnson has maybe three good years left. Washington would get a needed tall receiver who would be the best player on the roster. Coach Jim Zorn prefaced his remarks by saying Johnson wasn’t on the roster, then spoke glowingly of the latter. Kinda reveals the Redskins thinking there.
It looks like Washington must sweeten its offer. Maybe two firsts and a third. OK — do it. Do whatever is needed to get Johnson. The Redskins have overpaid for players before. They have nine draft picks this weekend, triple the amount of some years. In an offseason that has been the quietest ever in owner Dan Snyder’s nine-year tenure, it’s time to make some noise. And Ocho Cinco can make some noise.
Ironically, the Redskins pre-draft press conference delivered a rare air of competence. Vice president Vinny Cerrato sounds like he’s growing into the job well. Snyder is showing the patience promised upon coach Joe Gibbs’ departure. Zorn seemed like a head coach instead of a quarterbacks coach when discussing defense.
It almost makes one think things will be fine in Redskinland until remembering they never are. This is the front office’s chance to prove themselves. Find some depth for the offensive and defensive lines and secondary in the latter rounds and receiver and defensive line with the first two selections. But, go for the gamebreaker if possible. Work the Johnson trade until the minute Washington must pick. If nothing else, keep Johnson from being traded to Dallas or Philadelphia.
Snyder joked of wanting an All-Pro with the 21st pick. There’s one sure way of doing it and he’s in Cincinnati.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
