Chad Johnson: A Summary of his Value as a Bengal in 2008

Okay, as of today, Chad says he is coming back June 12.  Why?  Conveniently, this is the first day he can start to lose some cash due to fines for missing mini-camp.  Mixed in with this announcement were some quotes by Chad justifying his whining by claiming that since the Bengals as an organization won't do what it takes win, he wants to leave.  While this is actually a true statement about the Bengals, and we here at WDR in a weak moment may even be tempted to make Chad an honorary member (before remembering the shot he took at Carson...CARSON!!!), it is not the main reason why he is making this fuss.  It is about money.

I won't get into the details here about how Chad appears to be underpaid going forward (not true, it is a function only of the timing of payments in his last contract) but suffice it to say that he will make $3 million next year while many of his peers will be making well over $8 million.  So, Chad is not pleased.  Probably more so now that his BFF Terrell Owens (only moments ago) just got a shiny new extension for $34 million over 4 years.  Hence, he is throwing a tantrum.  However, he is under contract and we can fine him.  Thus, he will play.  So, where does this leave the Bengals?

Well, according to Chad, his attitude for the next season is "I don't give a @#$@."  So, it looks like we may end up getting a top tier receiver who isn't really committed to playing all that hard, at a cost of around $3 million plus collateral damage to team chemistry.  That seems like bad news to me.  It'd be better for the franchise to get him away from the team.

But, Chad is a money man now, and I am not all that sure he can afford to sandbag a whole season without jeopardizing his future earnings, so perhaps we may end up with a top tier receiver who is committed to putting on a professional face on the field, at a cost of $3 million plus collateral damage to team chemistry.  Better, but still  bad.

So, yes, Chad is back and says he will play.  However, his value as a Bengal (though uncertain) is most likely a net negative on the Bengals ability to operate as a winning franchise (much less compete for a Superbowl) in 2008.