If you think about it, two factors point to Ochocinco actually being given the chance to make the team out of training camp…

– Ochocinco has been asked to restructure his contract, and it sounds like he’s amenable. If that happens, the Patriots have the possibility of being able to pay Ochocinco the same amount whether he’s on the team or not. The cap hit could be identical either way. If that’s the case, then why not give him a shot to make the team? It will be an uphill battle, but who knows?

– There is no harm in giving him the entire offseason to learn and re-focus and potentially come back with a better understanding of the offense. I thought his problem was physical last year, and that he’s not able to be an NFL receiver anymore, but perhaps a better knowledge of the offense will help. If not, they can just cut him. No harm, no foul. He wasn’t a distraction last year, and he was well-behaved. It sounds like that will continue.