ESPN is reporting that the Redskins offered their first-round pick in ’08 and a third-round pick in ’09 (that could escalate to a first-round pick if certain performance requirements are met) for disgruntled WR Chad Johnson. The Bengals have apparently turned them down.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis — who disputed the report of trade offers for Johnson — says the disgruntled receiver should keep his word and sit out the season.
“I’ve stated our case with Chad,” Lewis said. “He has a contract through 2011. He’s stated without an opportunity to go to a different team and a new contract, he wasn’t going to play. I think he’s a man of his word and says he’s not going to play, so don’t play.”
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.
This is a great deal. CJ is going to be a distraction as long as he’s on the Bengals’ roster, so getting two early picks for the luxury of getting rid of him seems like a smart move. I don’t know what the Bengals are thinking.
