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.
As I’ve been saying…
https://www.patspropaganda.com/if-you-think-about-it-two-factors-point-to/
The conclusion drawn from here is that the team must want to turn the position over to its two young backs from the 2011 draft – Shane Vereen (2nd round) and Stevan Ridley (3rd round) – because $3 million per year for Green-Ellis seems reasonable.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-conclusion-drawn-from-here-is-that-the-team/
NFL.com Video: Shane Vereen, 19-yd run vs. Chiefs
NFL.com Video: Shane Vereen, 19-yd run vs. Chiefs
Talk about a guy who will be flying under the radar going into camp this year. Could by a dynamic playmaker no ones counting on.
The three-year deal recently signed by Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has a base value, according to a league source, of $9 million. Making it worth $3 million per year. And matching the annual average of the contracts signed last year by Panthers kicker Olindo Mare and Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell. It doesn’t make it a bad deal for GreenEllis. It’s arguably the best deal of any of the veteran running back contracts signed since free agency opened. He’ll get $4 million in the first year, he can make another $1.6 million via mostly reasonable triggers, and (unlike Michael Bush and his $3.5 million annual average) GreenEllis won’t be backing up Matt Forte.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-three-year-deal-recently-signed-by-bengals/
Ochocinco will be back in New England next year,” Schefter says. “They believe that he’ll spend this offseason immersing himself in the playbook, familiarizing himself with the Patriots’ offense. They’re going to bring all these wide receivers in and let them compete in training camp and the best receivers will play.
Schefter thinks Ocho will be back – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
I’ve been saying for a while now as long as the cap hit is justifiable why not give Ocho a chance to compete in camp? You’re not getting anything in a trade for him, and you’ll still be taking a cap hit if you cut him. If he comes into camp and still plays tentative you cut him then, but it’s undeniable that Chad has talent and it’s not out of the question that as he gets comfortable his performance and production make a major jump.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/ochocinco-will-be-back-in-new-england-next-year/