Chad ain't goin' nowhere (1 Viewer)

[Sweet Love]

Sources: Skins offer '08 first-rounder, '09 pick for Johnson; Cincy says no

By Chris Mortensen

ESPN.com

Updated: April 22, 2008, 10:34 AM ET

How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands?

Serious enough to swat away an offer from the Washington Redskins that could have netted the Bengals two first round draft picks, team and league sources said.

The Redskins offered this year's first round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said.

It was not the first time the Redskins approached the Bengals about a deal but it was the first significant proposal.

The Bengals have not only rejected the Redskins, but two other NFC East suitors -- the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles -- have been informed that there has been no change in the team's position that Johnson will not be traded.

The Bengals have noted to those suitors that Johnson has been the "second-highest paid receiver" in the NFL during the past three years, indignant about suggestions that Johnson also wants a new contract, the sources said.

Trading Johnson also would mean Cincinnati would take an $8 million salary cap hit, but that amount could be split over the next two years. Additionally, as one anonymous owner told ESPN.com, "There's nothing wrong with dead money. It's cash already paid and it's cash back in your pocket that you don't have to spend, especially with the [high] amount of everyone's salary cap these days."

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

 

[Sweet Love]

Seriously, two first rounders??? I don't care what the Cap hit is, they need to part ways with him. As the article states, the $8 million is dead money and in this day and age, there is enough Cap money for each team to eat "fake" money like this against the Cap. I think in a year or two we will be talking about how bad of a move this was on Cincy's part.

 

[Dope]

Sources: Skins offer '08 first-rounder, '09 pick for Johnson; Cincy says noBy Chris MortensenESPN.comUpdated: April 22, 2008, 10:34 AM ET How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands? Serious enough to swat away an offer from the Washington Redskins that could have netted the Bengals two first round draft picks, team and league sources said. The Redskins offered this year's first round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said. It was not the first time the Redskins approached the Bengals about a deal but it was the first significant proposal. The Bengals have not only rejected the Redskins, but two other NFC East suitors -- the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles -- have been informed that there has been no change in the team's position that Johnson will not be traded. The Bengals have noted to those suitors that Johnson has been the "second-highest paid receiver" in the NFL during the past three years, indignant about suggestions that Johnson also wants a new contract, the sources said. Trading Johnson also would mean Cincinnati would take an $8 million salary cap hit, but that amount could be split over the next two years. Additionally, as one anonymous owner told ESPN.com, "There's nothing wrong with dead money. It's cash already paid and it's cash back in your pocket that you don't have to spend, especially with the [high] amount of everyone's salary cap these days."Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

What the hell? If I were a Bengals fan, I'd started to get ticked at this point.

 

[higgins]

Cincy> huh?

 

[foxco]

If I'm Cindy I ask CJ to redo his contract so there is no cap hit, and only then would I entertain the notion of trading him.

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

Millen needs to get on the phone and see if he can get that same offer for Roy.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Dumb move by the Bengals. REALLY dumb.....

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Please not the Redskins! Please not the Redskins! YES!!!! (Chad dynasty owner)

 

[sholditch]

If they turned that down I can't imagine any offer being good enough. I guess Chad is going to be a Bengal after all. IMO there's no way in hell he sits out...not a single game.

 

[SuperJohn96]

Maybe with these 3 NFC East suitors, they can get 2 firsts, with the 2nd one be a first and not a 3rd that can become a 1st with performance landmarks.

Not only would one of those teams benefit from adding Chad, but they'd keep him off the roster of a division rival.

Of course, I am probably giving the Bengals more credit than they deserve.

As a CJ owner, I hope he ends up with the Eagles.

We'll see...maybe the offers will improve as the draft approaches?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Please not the Redskins! Please not the Redskins! YES!!!! (Chad dynasty owner)

Wat? I agree that as a dynasty owner I'd rather have him stay with Palmer and the Bengals, but what's so awful about the 'Skins? I think Campbell would take off with him as a target, opposite Moss and Cooley. As a 'Skins fan I don't like this proposed deal anyway. Those picks need to go towards rebuilding their aging lines. No more of these trading adventures with draft picks, please.

 

[obxlegends]

Somewhere Jason Campbell owners are shooting themselves in the face.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Maybe with these 3 NFC East suitors, they can get 2 firsts, with the 2nd one be a first and not a 3rd that can become a 1st with performance landmarks.Not only would one of those teams benefit from adding Chad, but they'd keep him off the roster of a division rival.Of course, I am probably giving the Bengals more credit than they deserve.As a CJ owner, I hope he ends up with the Eagles.We'll see...maybe the offers will improve as the draft approaches?

With all of that signing bonus $, his yearly salary is not outrageous. Doesn't the team trading for him just "inherit" his remaining contract? What you get, for what you pay, IMO, would be worth two 1sts, one being a top 10-15. I would think they'll get a two 1sts offer from somebody by the draft.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Somewhere Jason Campbell owners are shooting themselves in the face.

Don't be surprised if Snyder changes next year's "possible" to a 1st rounder.Don't be surprised if C.J. goes to another team offering two 1sts that has a higher pick than the 'Skins.

 

[Godsbrother]

TWO first round picks for Johnson???? I'd take that trade in a heartbeat.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

I think Cincy is doing the exactly what they should.

If they cave to this whiner, where does it stop? What if the rest of the team decides they don't want to play in Cincy anymore? Should they just accommodate them too?

The team has gone record saying they aren't interested in trading a vital member of their team. I see NO problem with them sticking to their guns. I'd rather have the guy sit a year (which I don't think he will do) than move him at this point if I'm the Bengals. Don't let him set a VERY bad precedent.

What real cause does Johnson have for demanding to be traded? What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

I think Cincy is doing the exactly what they should.If they cave to this whiner, where does it stop? What if the rest of the team decides they don't want to play in Cincy anymore? Should they just accommodate them too?The team has gone record saying they aren't interested in trading a vital member of their team. I see NO problem with them sticking to their guns. I'd rather have the guy sit a year (which I don't think he will do) than move him at this point if I'm the Bengals. Don't let him set a VERY bad precedent.What real cause does Johnson have for demanding to be traded? What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

Didn't Corey Dillon already set a bad precedent by getting rewarded with a rich contract extension five or six years ago after threatening to hold out?

 

[trader jake]

'Who Dey' got making the decisions in Cincy? Brutal if they received that offer and passed on it.

 

[Cookiemonster]

TWO first round picks for Johnson???? I'd take that trade in a heartbeat.

You've seen a franchise tagged player get traded before, right? That guy comes with a bigger contract, and ony for one year. Chad comes signed through like, 2011 or 2012 and his signing bonus is already paid. If he won't play for you with his current contract, you can sign a new one that, because of his recent antics, can't be front-loaded. I think a lot of teams would pay two 1sts for a proven, top 5 WR talent who still has 5 years left on his body.

 

[Ripleys]

How do you turn down 2 first rounders for a WR that DOES NOT WANT TO BE PART OF YOUR FRANCHISE! Is Matt Millen on the Bengals payroll?

 

[Phurfur]

If I'm Cindy I ask CJ to redo his contract so there is no cap hit, and only then would I entertain the notion of trading him.

Sorry I don't think this is possible. What did you have in mind?

 

[RBM]

Dumb move by the Bengals. REALLY dumb.....

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Somewhere Jason Campbell owners are shooting themselves in the face.

I own Campbell (in a Dynasty) and I'm GLAD Cincy didn't take the offer. Not only am I not convinced that Johnson is all that he thinks he is, but it's a terrible deal overall for the Skins, and with a huge investment in CJ, that is just less the team can use to develop their own talent. What kind of line support could they be getting with those two first rounders?Sure Johnson MIGHT help Campbell for a year or two, but I am still hoping Campbell turns into a solid FF dynasty starter, and that won't happen if the Skins keep pissing away all of their draft picks.

 

[Hang 10]

I think Cincy is doing the exactly what they should.If they cave to this whiner, where does it stop? What if the rest of the team decides they don't want to play in Cincy anymore? Should they just accommodate them too?The team has gone record saying they aren't interested in trading a vital member of their team. I see NO problem with them sticking to their guns. I'd rather have the guy sit a year (which I don't think he will do) than move him at this point if I'm the Bengals. Don't let him set a VERY bad precedent.What real cause does Johnson have for demanding to be traded? What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

A bad precedent of getting crazy value for players that whine?

 

[BigJohn]

####ing Bengals.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

I think Cincy is doing the exactly what they should.If they cave to this whiner, where does it stop? What if the rest of the team decides they don't want to play in Cincy anymore? Should they just accommodate them too?The team has gone record saying they aren't interested in trading a vital member of their team. I see NO problem with them sticking to their guns. I'd rather have the guy sit a year (which I don't think he will do) than move him at this point if I'm the Bengals. Don't let him set a VERY bad precedent.What real cause does Johnson have for demanding to be traded? What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

Didn't Corey Dillon already set a bad precedent by getting rewarded with a rich contract extension five or six years ago after threatening to hold out?

Kind of a different situation, but as it IS similar, maybe they actually learned from that.

 

[trader jake]

What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

They don't put enough money into being a winning organization. Starting with scouting and going into all areas of the franchise. You think the mad house of player nonsense has more to do with CJ or the load of crap the Bengals organization has added to the roster over the last five years?If you were CJ you'd want out of that organization as well. It's a sinking ship. If Carson Palmer gets injured again this team could end up in Dolphins 07' or Texans 06' territory.

 

[Cookiemonster]

What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

They don't put enough money into being a winning organization. Starting with scouting and going into all areas of the franchise. You think the mad house of player nonsense has more to do with CJ or the load of crap the Bengals organization has added to the roster over the last five years?If you were CJ you'd want out of that organization as well. It's a sinking ship. If Carson Palmer gets injured again this team could end up in Dolphins 07' or Texans 06' territory.

It's about as bad in Cincy as it is in Oakland. Scouting, coaching... don't mean a thing there either, just for different reasons. Only difference is that Al will keep bringing in top name talent, for marketing reasons. Therefore, he'll get some #### to stick to the wall and have a good season here and there.

 

[skillz]

The Bengals are going to regret turning down this offer. Chad's value is only going to decrease over time. I think we've only seen the tip of the iceberg from Chad when it comes to what he is going to say about the players, coaches, owner, and franchise. He is going to burn his bridge with Cincy big time in order to force the team to get him out of there.

Other teams are going to realize that the Bengals are in a no-win situation b/c they can't keep a cancer on their team that has just disparaged his teammates and coaches. So, the other teams are going to lowball the Bengals with offers to get Chad. There is no way that another team ponies up two first round picks to get him after the draft concludes this weekend, and Chad goes off on some more of his rants in the next few weeks. The situation is only going to get uglier for Cincy. They should just take the trade so they can add some decent players for the upcoming season and be rid of a locker room cancer and distraction once and for all.

 

[pizzatyme]

At this point, I think we need to ignore the fact that CJ demanded a trade. Even if CJ were happy, the Bengals would be nuts to turn down 2 1st round picks for CJ.

As a Colts fan, I'd hate to see Reggie Wayne go, but if I got 2 1st round picks, I'm estatic!

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Why does everyone keep saying 2 1st round picks. It's a 1st and a 3rd.

 

[Godsbrother]

TWO first round picks for Johnson???? I'd take that trade in a heartbeat.

You've seen a franchise tagged player get traded before, right? That guy comes with a bigger contract, and ony for one year. Chad comes signed through like, 2011 or 2012 and his signing bonus is already paid. If he won't play for you with his current contract, you can sign a new one that, because of his recent antics, can't be front-loaded. I think a lot of teams would pay two 1sts for a proven, top 5 WR talent who still has 5 years left on his body.

If you think your teams is better with a malcontent WR that doesn't want to play on your team, criticizes management and punches your coaching staff than getting two first round picks then you turn down the deal. Otherwise you take it.I would have taken it.

 

[Cookiemonster]

TWO first round picks for Johnson???? I'd take that trade in a heartbeat.

You've seen a franchise tagged player get traded before, right? That guy comes with a bigger contract, and ony for one year. Chad comes signed through like, 2011 or 2012 and his signing bonus is already paid. If he won't play for you with his current contract, you can sign a new one that, because of his recent antics, can't be front-loaded. I think a lot of teams would pay two 1sts for a proven, top 5 WR talent who still has 5 years left on his body.

If you think your teams is better with a malcontent WR that doesn't want to play on your team, criticizes management and punches your coaching staff than getting two first round picks then you turn down the deal. Otherwise you take it.I would have taken it.

I think they didn't take it 'cause they'll get (or are already working on) a better deal. Snyders deal was a 1st and a "conditional" 3rd next year that could become a 1st. Cincy can get two solid 1sts from a team picking earlier than a playoff team this year, and will likely be picking before the 'Skins next year. I'm thinking they are already having talks w/ someone else.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

At this point, I think we need to ignore the fact that CJ demanded a trade. Even if CJ were happy, the Bengals would be nuts to turn down 2 1st round picks for CJ.

As a Colts fan, I'd hate to see Reggie Wayne go, but if I got 2 1st round picks, I'm estatic!

Maybe you have greater reason to have faith in getting a good return on those 1st round picks than a Cincy fan does.

 

[obxlegends]

Somewhere Jason Campbell owners are shooting themselves in the face.

I own Campbell (in a Dynasty) and I'm GLAD Cincy didn't take the offer. Not only am I not convinced that Johnson is all that he thinks he is, but it's a terrible deal overall for the Skins, and with a huge investment in CJ, that is just less the team can use to develop their own talent. What kind of line support could they be getting with those two first rounders?Sure Johnson MIGHT help Campbell for a year or two, but I am still hoping Campbell turns into a solid FF dynasty starter, and that won't happen if the Skins keep pissing away all of their draft picks.

If you were a Redskins fan I would agree with your assessment. As a Jason Campbell owner it's a crime to not want a guy who over the past 5 years have averaged 90 catches, 1,300 yards and 8 TD's. Campbell may be lucky to have his job in a year or two. CJ was the one person who could go a long way into helping him keep it.

 

[Godsbrother]

Why does everyone keep saying 2 1st round picks. It's a 1st and a 3rd.

That could escalate to a #1 depending on how Johnson does. If you think he can hit those performance numbers then it will probably a first round pick. If you think he won't then maybe you should be happy to be getting a #1 and #3.Of course we don't know what those numbers are but I would assume they are achievable...

 

[smcindoe]

Sorry I don't think this is possible.

It's not, unless they can get him to voluntarily give back his signing bonus. Changing the value of the contract going forward wouldn't impact the cap hit for bonuses already paid.

 

[pizzatyme]

At this point, I think we need to ignore the fact that CJ demanded a trade. Even if CJ were happy, the Bengals would be nuts to turn down 2 1st round picks for CJ.

As a Colts fan, I'd hate to see Reggie Wayne go, but if I got 2 1st round picks, I'm estatic!

Maybe you have greater reason to have faith in getting a good return on those 1st round picks than a Cincy fan does.

fair enough!

 

[obxlegends]

Sorry I don't think this is possible.

It's not, unless they can get him to voluntarily give back his signing bonus. Changing the value of the contract going forward wouldn't impact the cap hit for bonuses already paid.

Actually it could effect the prorated unpaid portion if for example they turned the signing bonus it a roster bonus. It's done all the time.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

What did the team do to him that was so bad? They've paid him well, supported him through his BS and now all of the sudden he just announces he doesn't want to be a Bengal anymore? BS.

They don't put enough money into being a winning organization. Starting with scouting and going into all areas of the franchise. You think the mad house of player nonsense has more to do with CJ or the load of crap the Bengals organization has added to the roster over the last five years?If you were CJ you'd want out of that organization as well. It's a sinking ship. If Carson Palmer gets injured again this team could end up in Dolphins 07' or Texans 06' territory.

First, The Bengals won their division and advanced in the playoffs ALL the way back in '05. They were an injury away from really making some noise. Then they had two mediocre years (8-8 and 7-9). Big deal.2nd, if I'm Cincy, I don't CARE that he wants out or why he wants out. I care that he is under contract, and that he is a very good player.3rd, for your question, I think it's a LOT more CJ than the Bengals. You don't see the other players on the team demanding trades do you? He's a prima donna (however you spell that), always has been.Keep in mind I am not a Bengal fan AT ALL. Just hate it when guys act like punks and hold their teams for ransom. It would be one thing if the guy were grossly underpaid or something, but he's not. The team has done right by Johnson, and he hoses them. From the team standpoint, I don't reward treachery by giving the player what he wants. From a fan perspective, I understand the desire to bail and get what you can, but I TOTALLY get the TEAM's hard line perspective as well.

 

[sholditch]

The Bengals are going to regret turning down this offer. Chad's value is only going to decrease over time. I think we've only seen the tip of the iceberg from Chad when it comes to what he is going to say about the players, coaches, owner, and franchise. He is going to burn his bridge with Cincy big time in order to force the team to get him out of there. Other teams are going to realize that the Bengals are in a no-win situation b/c they can't keep a cancer on their team that has just disparaged his teammates and coaches. So, the other teams are going to lowball the Bengals with offers to get Chad. There is no way that another team ponies up two first round picks to get him after the draft concludes this weekend, and Chad goes off on some more of his rants in the next few weeks. The situation is only going to get uglier for Cincy. They should just take the trade so they can add some decent players for the upcoming season and be rid of a locker room cancer and distraction once and for all.

Teams have gotten over a lot worse. The draft will pass with no trade, Chad will sit out all voluntary minicamps and OTAs, sit for some of training camp, the the last week or two it will all be magically resolved and Chad will go back to work having had a nice, relaxing summer, and start every single game for the Bengals in 2008. Write it down.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Why does everyone keep saying 2 1st round picks. It's a 1st and a 3rd.

That could escalate to a #1 depending on how Johnson does. If you think he can hit those performance numbers then it will probably a first round pick. If you think he won't then maybe you should be happy to be getting a #1 and #3.Of course we don't know what those numbers are but I would assume they are achievable...

Why should we assume that he will achieve those levels? They likely are levels similar to or higher than what he produces now. Why is he likely to hit those in a new offense with a lesser QB?

and a conditional third rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said.

Washington also has to hit performance levels. Those are likely at least getting to the playoffs and for a 1st rounder, are likely higher. I'm not convinced that's going to happen.Getting a 1st and a 3rd isn't bad but I'm in agreement with those that say let him sit. The Bengals treated him extremely well 2 years ago. A quote from Drew Rosenhaus at the time:

"In terms of 'new money,' and just being unique from the standpoint of being able to do something for a player who still had four years left on his [existing] contract, it's really monumental," said agent Drew Rosenhaus, who was hired by Johnson a year ago to upgrade his contract "As long as I've been doing this, I've never been able to get an extension like this, basically because of the time remaining on the contract. It's historical. And it's a testament to Chad, and how well he's performed, and to Bengals management for the way they have handled this and the commitment they've made to him."

 

[T Man]

The Bengals have to be looking at this as if "If they cave on CJ, who will be next." Let's face it, the team and organization are not considered to be the best in the league. All of the top players will want to get moved. Plus, I have to believe that a lot has to do with the fact that the organization coddled him all these years and this is how they get repaid.

CJ did not have a problem with the Bengals when he signed the contract and got all of his bonus money. I don't see him offering to give back the bonus money to assist in the trade. He is signed for several years at reasonable rates. He wants a new deal.

And, even two #1s is a crapshoot. CJ is a stud WR. There are not that many; and fiorst rounders are not always sure fire studs. Heck, the Bengals could find themselves with Peter Warrick and Akili Smith as the return on their investment.

With that said, I think the Bengals should trade him because of the problems he will cause; however, I do understand that they have to make a stand. If they do trade him, they need to get picks (for the future) and players that can help them now.

For example, a trade with Dallas for the two #1's and Crayton or a defensive starter. That way, the Bbengals get a starter even if they mess up the draft.

 

[Jason Wood]

As an Eagles fan, I'm thrilled to see Cincy turn this deal down

That said, I have to agree with those who state how silly this decision looks (assuming it's accurate). Even if CJ was happy in Cincy, I'm not sure how a 2008 and 2009 first rounders wouldn't be worth the price. But here you have a guy that's outright demanding a trade, another star receiver (and CJ's good friend) who is saying it will be a 3-ring circus if they don't trade 85, and you STILL turn down that offer?

Talk about biting off your nose to spite your face.

 

[Sweet Love]

TWO first round picks for Johnson???? I'd take that trade in a heartbeat.

You've seen a franchise tagged player get traded before, right? That guy comes with a bigger contract, and ony for one year. Chad comes signed through like, 2011 or 2012 and his signing bonus is already paid. If he won't play for you with his current contract, you can sign a new one that, because of his recent antics, can't be front-loaded. I think a lot of teams would pay two 1sts for a proven, top 5 WR talent who still has 5 years left on his body.

Isn't that what Dallas said about Joey Galloway?? That trade made the Seahawks and you could even say it was a large part in bringing them to the Super Bowl (they took SA with one of those picks). Two first rounders for a guy who will divide your locker room is GOLD, Jerry! I really would be shocked if they could get more (SA and Edge only drew one 3rd rounder (interest that is) in their final years of the contract. Granted we all knew they did not have as much tread on their tires as CJ will, but their are only a handful of guys I would trade two first rounders for, and honestly, I don't know if I would trade three first rounders for even manning or Brady. situation has SOOO much to do with a player's success and their is no guarantee that CJ would be able to do even 80% of the production he did in Cincy.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

As stated previously, we don't know how high the performance bar was set. It wasn't a guaranteed two first-rounders. It was a 1st and a 3rd.

Plus, the Bengals operation knows they're on thin ice. Any trade of Johnson will have to include players that can contribute today. If the team tanks in '08, a lot of decision-makers might not be around to spend that '09 pick no matter how high it is.

If CJ gets traded, I think a 1st, attainable second high pick AND a pretty good player will have to be included. They need to have a successful year.

 

[pizzatyme]

As stated previously, we don't know how high the performance bar was set. It wasn't a guaranteed two first-rounders. It was a 1st and a 3rd.Plus, the Bengals operation knows they're on thin ice. Any trade of Johnson will have to include players that can contribute today. If the team tanks in '08, a lot of decision-makers might not be around to spend that '09 pick no matter how high it is.If CJ gets traded, I think a 1st, attainable second high pick AND a pretty good player will have to be included. They need to have a successful year.

They aren't guaranteed a successful year WITH CJ. Likely missing the playoffs again. But I get your point about management only caring about their jobs.

 

[Londo]

rant

It's altogether possible that the Bengals are simply trying to get Snyder to up his already generous offer.

Knowing Snyder, it will work.

As a skins fan, I don't want to continue to mortgage the future by trading away good draft picks (even if they net us a bona fide stud in CJ). Snyder needs to stop playing fantasy football with this team and get us some of the not-so-sexy building blocks that every GOOD team seems to have.

/rant

 

[bshipper]

Here is an update on the Bengals website...

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6737

Lewis also denied an ESPN report that the Bengals turned down the Redskins' offer of a first-round pick this year and potentially next for Chad Johnson.

Citing team and league sources, ESPN.com says that the Redskins offered their first-round pick, No. 21 overall this year, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels,

But speaking at a Tuesday news conference for this weekend's draft, Lewis said that Bengals president "Mike Brown has not received a phone call."

The club has been adamant in not trading the disgruntled five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and ESPN's Chris Mortensen said the Eagles and Cowboys have also been told Johnson is not on the market.

With Johnson talking retirement if the Bengals don't trade him, Lewis said, "He's a man of his word. He says he's not going to play, so don't play."

"It's time to do what you're going to say you do and we'll just move forward," Lewis said.

This was in a combined article with news that David Pollack is retiring. This is sad news from a football perspective, but probably the right choice for him personally.

 

[Standing Hampton]

####ing Bengals.

"Alex....I'd like "Things I like to do with jungle cats" for $500.00 please"