Chad Ochocinco has one year remaining on his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, but the team could buy him out for $3.5 million rather than pay him $6 million for the season. Many people have assumed he won’t be back in Cincy after they drafted receiver A.J. Green in the first round, so they’ve wondered where he’ll end up. Ochocinco has already campaigned to play in New England, and we said it wasn’t likely. SI NFL reporter Peter King thinks otherwise.
Responding to a question on twitter, King said he thought Ochocinco would end up with the Patriots after the lockout.
Ochocinco and Bill Belichick get along well, and New England has proven to be a refugee for some disgruntled players (see Moss, Randy). But would they be willing to put up with his off-field antics that include soccer tryouts, bull riding, talk shows, and waiting tables? Given their anti-media policy, I highly doubt it.
Still, King is one of the most reputable reporters in the NFL and his word should not be taken lightly. I can’t picture Ochocinco fitting in as a Patriots player, but maybe he’ll fall in line if he doesn’t want this nightmare coming true.
