Tough Offseason Choices for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Mythical TOcho

After a disappointing 4-11 (thus far) season, there is little doubt major changes are coming to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.  With a top 4 pick already secured,we know there will be some new talent on the field in 2011.  What we don't know, is which of their current stars will be wearing orange and black next year, as Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Carson Palmer all may be departing this offseason.

If they decide to let aging wideout Terrell Owens go, there is yet another whole to fill on offense.  A possible fit would be A.J. Green out of Georgia, who is one of the top receiver prospects since Randy Moss in the 1998 draft.  In this scenario, it might make sense to keep Palmer, at about $11.5 million, for the 2011 season.  Although Palmer has struggled this year, he is about to throw for 4,000 yards and is still a very capable quarterback. With the emergence of Jerome Simpson this season, Green will still have another receiver to help take the pressure and focus off, even without Ochocinco. Suddenly, the Bengals get a lot younger - and are possibly just as talented.


On the other hand, if the Bengals decide to rid themselves of Palmer and his contract, they may look to take a chance at drafting a quarterback.  If they do, they might try to move back a few picks and take a chance at Cam Newton or Ryan Mallett.  If this happens, they have to consider bringing Ochocinco back with his $6 million price tag.  Similar to before, the combination of two talented receivers - Simpson and Ochocinco - would likely be a huge help to the new quarterbacks development.

Of course, they could always look to fill one of the many other holes on their team, too.  Da'Quan Bowers may be a strong pick at DE, just as Prince Amukamara could be at cornerback.  If they do go this way, however, I find it hard to believe they'll let Ocho, TO and Palmer leave and then pick a defensive player.  A bad 2010 team minus a quarterback and two legitimate receivers with no replacements would equal an even worse 2011 season.