Okay, so this isn't really news. We've pretty much known that Carson Palmer wasn't going to be on the team in 2011 for a few months now and we've known that Terrell Owens' deal with the Bengals was just going to be a one-year contract, especially considering the team went 4-12 with him. When it comes to the two of them, Schefter is just repeating what many have said for a long time.
Chad Ochocinco is the biggest question mark, though. The Bengals could certainly use his experience, especially considering the next most experienced wide receiver on the Bengals roster is Andre Caldwell, who really had hardly any experience at all. On the other hand, though, A.J. Green is the future of the position, and the Bengals may not want him to be influenced by Ochocinco's less than desirable qualities.
ESPN's Adam Schefter believes that the team will not only move on without Palmer and TO, but without Ochocinco as well. He said so during one of his question and answer articles on ESPN In$ider.
A: Henry, let's be real simple about this: Carson Palmer will not play for the Bengals again. The Bengals aren't going to bring back Terrell Owens. And I think the team will look to unload Ochocinco and his $6 million salary as soon as the lockout ends -- don't think any of the three will be back. It's time to turn the page in Cincinnati. Get ready to root for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, because it's a new era for the Bengals.
While the Bengals offense and defense has been working out together during the lockout in an attempt to be better once the season ends, Ochocinco has been busy riding bulls and making plans to wrangle snakes. At this point, I think it would be best for the team to move on from Ochocinco and on to Green.
There might be a larger learning curve for Green without the support of a seasoned veteran on the team, but I think that Green will be better off learning the game on his own.