It appears the Cincinnati Bengals are doing the Redskins a big favor by rejecting Washington’s trade offer. ESPN is reporting that the Redskins were prepared to offer their 1st round pick and a conditional 3rd round pick (which could jump all the way up to another 1st rounder) in exchange for disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson.
Johnson may be an elite NFL receiver, but there is no receiver in the NFL worth two 1st round picks. Even if the performance clauses aren’t met and the pick would have remained a 3rd rounder, its still too much. The Redskins were also prepared to guarantee an additional 21 million dollars of Johnson’s contract.
Just when you think the front office has learned something, they go around and pull something like this. If you want Johnson, wait until he holds out at training camp and the Bengals get desperate to move him. You might be able to snag him for a 2nd round pick or something reasonable. I know the Redskins don’t value draft picks as highly as other teams, but get a grip.
The Redskins are expecting to continue to pursue Johnson throughout the draft, let’s hope the Bengals stay strong and keep on rejecting the team’s advances.
UPDATE: The Bengals are denying they’ve heard from the Redskins (well at least by phone). I’m inclined to believe this as I’d imagine if the Redskins had made this offer they would have fallen out of their chairs in a rush to accept it. We’ll see.
I could see the Redskins giving up a 1st and 3rd rounder for Johnson, but only with two conditions:
They get a 2nd in return.
The trade doesn’t count (for Cap Purposes) until after June 1.
Oh, and Johnson would have to be affordable salary cap-wise…. which is doubtful unless $21M guranteed is on a 6 year contract or so, with Vet minimums beyond the guarnetees.