Chad Johnson in pewter? Not so fast

With Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson making it no secret that he wouldn't mind playing elsewhere in 2008, you might wonder whether the Bucs would have some interest in the disgruntled Bengal.

It's easy to make a case for pursuing him. The man is on his way to his fifth straight Pro Bowl. And he set a Cincinnati record for career receptions. Plus, he's durable. Johnson hasn't missed a game in six seasons.

But I've gone back and forth on whether the Bucs would make a play for a guy with a dynamic personality like Johnson. Look at the team's history and the Bucs clearly have a record of separating themselves from anyone who rocks the boat. You can go back to Keyshawn Johnson and Warren Sapp, or, more recently, Simeon Rice. Now, there were other factors at work in most cases -- money, injuries, etc. -- so it wasn't merely about the player's big mouth.

But if you look at the current makeup of this team, it's a sportswriter's nightmare. There isn't really a guy on the roster who is willing to say anything contrary to the company line. That's not a knock. They're paid handsomely to remain silent. I get that. Just saying that the guys who call attention to themselves usually don't last in Tampa Bay. And the Bucs generally steer clear of those types of players in free agency, too. Tampa Bay has been far more likely to sign players with checkered pasts than players who stay within the law but are apt talk out of turn. Go figure.

Johnson is such a talent that perhaps the Bucs might be willing to overlook his demonstrative personality. He is, after all, exactly what they don't have at receiver: a guy who can go deep but will also run all kinds of routes and make tough catches in traffic.

But I just have a hard time seeing Tampa Bay with Johnson on its roster. When you think about the Bucs, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Jon Gruden -- not a player with a flashy style. Frankly, I think that's exactly the way the Bucs like it.

Comments

[Jay]

While you make some valid points Stephen, remember that the Bucs identity has traditionally been on defense. Gruden was on the hot seat at the beginning of last season, and has yet to establish any serious offensive threat since his arrival here. Many people, at least as fans and observers, feel that they lack a real playmaker in a skill position (nothing against Garcia and Graham) that can change the dynamic of the game. While Galloway can draw double coverages, he doesn't go over the middle, doesn't block particularly well, and frankly doesn't fight for the ball if it's not on target (that was VERY evident during the NY game). Joey Galloway is so old that the number on his uniform is in Roman Numerals.

Chad Johnson is not only in his prime, but would bring a brash and infectious faith in the offense that has NEVER been there. How much would Monte Kiffin benefit from not having to seal the win? How much would Gruden benefit from finally being able to open the playbook up? How much would the Glazers be able to increase ticket prices to see #85 light up the DeAngello Hall and Jason David twice a year?

Randy Moss went to the Patriots for a 4th rounder, and I believe the Bucs could get Chad Johnson for a 2nd and a 5th, and still be able to absorb his contract without destroying the salary cap. Come on Bruce Allen, make the call.

[Jason]

Make the call!!!! Do It!

[Noel (Bahamas)]

Good points....we need explosive offensive weapons...PLAIN & SIMPLE. We have a good deal of cap room. Why not roll the dice on a proven receiver. While we are talking about weapons, we need a quality FB to succeed Alsott and drafting a QB is ESSENTIAL. Garcia gave us a spark, but we have to build for the future....and unfortunately a 5th or 6th round pick is not sufficient to build our franchise.

[Phil]

Chad would be good also believe Larry Fitzgerald may be looking for a team to be the #1 WR. Age is the Key.

[Anthony Gironda]

Let's go for him & Larry Fitzgerald, they can help Galloway big time. We need at least 2 or 3 big-time players. If we want to be a championship team in the future like the Patriots, we need to get out of the kiddie pool & start making moves.

[Anthony Gironda]

Lets go for it, what do got to lose?? This team need help in some areas big-time!!!

[Alex]

I would love to have CJ here and it could give gruden's offense a boost. however, if gruden brings him in and the offense still sputters, what does that say about gruden? Gruden won't b/c the failure ratio is too high and too much mouth. Garcia says we need to use what we have and give the guys like stovall a chance to shine. I know Buc fans don't want to hear that, but would you really question Garcia? Also, don't look for a Bucs high qb draft. I don't see that much talent and Gruden doesn't develop young qb's well. You can expect the bucs to target a speed back to complement graham, but no feature back one way or another possibly 3-4 round.

[Niraj]

Great point!!! Gruden wants to be the only "loud" voice, he doesn't want opposing views. Seems to be a trend with so called offensive gurus. They want to manage plays, not personalities. Coaches that act more like managers and teachers seem to be able to live with different personalities--Dungy, Schottenheimer, Cowher.

[Tony]

Stephen, Chad Johnson brings alot to the table, he would be a great pick up here. As far as his attitude? He has not alienated himself in the Bengals locker room, teammates like him. He is not a Keyshawn type of personality. FYI, Sapp and Simeon had absolutely nothing to do with their personalities, to suggest so is flat out wrong.

[JoeG]

Stephen..... what kind of crack is this? Are you bucking for a position with TMZ??

"But if you look at the current makeup of this team, it's a sportswriter's nightmare. There isn't really a guy on the roster who is willing to say anything contrary to the company line."

Are you suggesting that the only stories you write that are worth reading, are the ones critical to the team???

Please go back, read some of Mizell's work and rethink your position!!

When he left town, the Sportswriters in this town became "clones".

What you can't seem to realize, is that your audience is begging for you to rise above it in '08, and give us some decent articles about our team....... not the trash and dirt you seem to believe sells papers!!

.....and to stay on topic, while #85 is quite the character, he's kept his nose clean, never been arrested, and is truly a man's-man.

Warren Sapp was twice the trash-talker and lockerroom loudmouth that CJ is, and we seemed to do just fine!!

Get him here....... NOW!!!

[Stephen Holder]

Niraj, who posted at 6:13 seems to understand the essence of what I'm trying to say here. I think Johnson would be a great addition. I'm not suggesting it would be a bad move. It would be a great move. I'm just saying that the Bucs' habit in recent years has been to steer clear of players with strong personalities.
And JoeG, come on: TMZ? Gotta give me more credit than that. I'm no ambulance chaser, man. All I'm trying to say here is that as a reporter, you want honesty, not predictable, cookie-cutter responses. Honesty and the company line are not always the same thing. That's my point.

[James]

"They're paid handsomely to remain silent" is where I stopped reading. Stephen, you and you're schit paper is a fu(king joke.

[DR]

James, Stephen is right. How many times have you heard Galloway, Garcia, Brooks, Barber, and others say the right thing but appear to have attitudes with some of the things the coaches were doing? That happened all season. I don't think the media is the place to solve disputes because it doesn't help anything, but to act like everything is great is a lie. Gruden has lied to the media all season so his players just follow his lead.
Just because you didn't like Sapp's honesty doesn't mean he was a bad guy. I'd take an honest guy like Sapp over somebody who says crap behind my back. At least you know what you get with Sapp. Nothing worse than going to camp and getting the pink slip after your coach acted like everything was okay like what happened to Rice. It turned out to be a good move, but disrectful in an unneccesary way.

[Vince]

Stephen, you must not have played competitive teams sports at any meaningful level. Chad Johnson is a mirage. What he possesses in talent (he is a gifted player) is offset by the negative dynamic he brings to a team setting. The Bucs overachieved this year. A big part of their production had to do with team chemistry. Guys suboordinating their own interests in favor of the team (i.e Brooks splitting time with June). It only takes one Chad Johnson to destroy all of that. Johnson looks like a good choice from a distance (i.e the stats you referenced), but not so good up close. Ask why the Bengals underachieved this year. Most of the Bengals news I read this year dealt with Johnson's antics and discontent with the coach, team, etc.

[vince]

DR -- Note sure that Sapp was "honest." He was actually the opposite. Sapp put on a persona in front of the cameras that was completely different than the real Sapp. Sapp was, in reality, one of the nastiest people I have ever met. Sapp was anti-social to an extreme. He was great between the lines, intimidatiing in the locker room, and a "hall of famer," but don't think for a moment that Sapp gave "honest" assessments of the team, game, etc.

[Glenn Bozinski]

I kind of agree with your thesis as i understand it, which is to say you feel that Chad would be a huge help between the lines, and that if he does bring in chemistry issues, they would not necessarily be a big hinderance. But history says that GruAllen don't like big talkers. For good or ill, Dungy and Mckay were not afraid to bring in controversial figures (Key and Rice were especially notorious pre-Tampa) knowing Tony could make them fit the team concept, but Gruden doesn't have the skill set to try and work at it. Not a knock, just a stylistic difference. So if you are saying they should want him, but they may not, I agree.

[Kristian]

I definitley think C.J or Fitz would be a great pick up.and I think they would fit nicely with Clayton and Stovall,these guys are good W.R. Gruden is so involved with giving the ball to the vets he dosen't trust them with the ball but look what happend Claytons rookie year when we had to give him the ball.Anyway i think Chad and Clayton would complement each other real well in the blocking aspect and just all around talent.

[skp]

journalists who have the trust and respect of the players will get no more than the company line...i think if the newspapers in town would report on the bucs instead of against them, they might be more willing to throw out a difference of opinion here or there...players know any type of dissent will start a newspaper feeding frenzy against their bosses; in the dungy days, sapp could throw a little criticism around without the local rags turning it into "PLAYER X HATES THE COACH! THE TEAM IS IN TURMOIL!" the relationship between the media and the team is horribly broken, and i don't blame players for throwing out safe cliches when a local sportswriter comes looking for a quote.

[skp]

sorry, i meant to say "journalists who DON'T have the trust and respect of the players will get no more than the company line"

[JoeG]

When I think about the Bucs...... the following come to mind:

1) Defense
2) Perennial mediocre/inconsistent OL
3) weak/inconsistent offense
4) Monte Kiffen - and his staff
5) Jon Gruden, and his flaws.... but a desire to get better, and work ethic to try and acheive it go unmatched.
6) Bruce Allen, and his calculated plans for player contracts, spreading them out nicely, and not jeopardizing too much for one player.

KJ, Sapp & Rice were all allowed to shoot their mouthes off to you guys, and it was pretty entertaining at times.

If you think JG wanted to lose Sapp, I think you're mistaken. McKays handling of Booger's contract made it impossible to keep him.

KJ shot his wad after the San Fran game, refusing to come home with the team, after he had a bad day and over 50 family members in attendance.

He thought Gruden diss'ed him and that was the beginning of the overly outward, disrespectful nature towards his employers. I think just about any coach would have sent him home!

Rice tried to hide his injury,...... period. He was asked to be reasonable about two things.

1) His injury - and how long it would really take to heal.

2) His salary, which needed addressed for the past 3 years, and he refused to cooperate.

It was certainly his perogative, but a dumb business decision. He could have collected 5 mil. to sit on IR, instead of flaming out and losing credibility throughout the league.

CJ would bring back the entertainment, that's for sure, but I don't think it'd be negative...... at least not for awhile!!

[Nate Dogg]

Wowww you guys...some of you are pretty harsh on Stephan. I mean everyone will have their critics no matter what, but sheesh!

Anyway...I think it's great that people realize what is truly missing from this team: playmakers (especially at WR). What did we have when we won the superbowl? playmakers.

playmaker-(n) one who makes things happen when it matters most.

What are some examples of playmakers we had during the SB run?
1) Keyshawn taking a lick for a tough 1st down on a 5 yard slant.
2) McCardell finding openings and hanging on to what was actually thrown his way

On our team currently, the closest thing we have to a "playmaker" (at WR) was Hilliard. I say that because of the tough catches and plays that he would make when we needed them the most over this last year. With Chad Johnson coming in (and Graham actually being able to catch a ball out of the backfield), he would make for one of the league's best 3rd receivers. NO DOUBT.

Galloway is one....but...he's grossly inconsistant. He'd light it up for one or two games, then go missing. Believe me when I say age has nothing to do with that.

After those two, who do we have? pretty much a promising receiver in Stovall and an "up & down" Clayton. CJ could help groom Stovall. I can't make any argument for anyone other than Michael Clayton himself that can make Michael Clayton return to the rookie Clayton we all know and love.

Bringing in CJ would make everyone on the offense INSTANTLY better and add consistancy. PERIOD! Somehow, someway get him on the Bucs!

Godspeed,
Nate Dogg

[DR]

JoeG,
To say Gruden's drive to achieve goes unmatched is a terrible statement with no backing. As much as I hate the guy, Bellichick 's desire is unmatched. His record and his fine proves it. He's willing to risk his reputation for a team that didn't even need the extra benefits gained from cheating. I guess the coaches did.
Gruden has a .500 record. If that's desire to get better, well, he's not trying hard enough.
You seem to forget the other side of the story between Gruden and Key. Just like Alstott, Gruden mishandled Key in his role on offense. Key was a decoy for most of the season after the Super Bowl and during the San Fran game, Gruden asked Key how to get him more involved. Key patted Gruden on the head and mocked him, telling him he's the coach and its his job. If Key did anything that was against team rules (i.e.miss the flight back without approval) the Bucs would have had reason to suspend him without pay for a couple of games. The Bucs suspended Key with pay because Gruden wanted it that way and had no reason to take money. Key showed up Gruden and won, watching Gruden coach the Super Bowl winning team to a losing record. His first of 3 in the next 5 seasons.

[DR]

Chad Johnson is one of the better WRs in the league but his selfish antics are ridiculous. If you're the only player on the team wearing "HOF, Class of 20??" after a TD, you should feel like an idiot. You are NOT a team player, especially when you get shut down in big games!
To say Gruden will get CJ to become a better team player has no weight since there is nothing in Gruden's history that says that he can do that.

[DR]

Fitz would be a better WR to make an effort to get. He would strecth the field better and Galloway would go to the slot, where he belongs.

[JoeG]

Mishandled Key and Alstott??

1) Alstott - Can you show me an example (in any year) of Gruden's offenses using a FB for anything other than a "True Fullback"? Mike was doomed from the start of Gruden's tenure, because of his inexperience as a "True FB"

I love Mike, and my only complaint, is that he didn't use him enough to close out games, which we ultimately lost 4th quarter leads because of playcalling.

2) KJ - A slow footed, (albeit sure handed) posession receiver, with turnstiles for an OL and QB's with the elusiveness of a sloth.

Where could JG have improved?? Maybe going to the shotgun a bit earlier would have helped, but Johnson's YAC, were never anything to write home about!!

And DR, I'm alluding to his obvious maturation process, and his well-documented work ethic. Not too many coaches spend the amount of time in the office, as he does.

I'm not saying he dosen't need to get better, I'm saying I like his dedication to trying, and the example it sets for the rest of the organization.

[DR]

JoeG,
I'm talking results from work ethic. You can trap yourself in an office for a week straight and have an amazing work ethic, but if you fail and lose than all you are doing is wasting time.
There were many situations where Alstott should have carried the ball. When Alstott did get the ball, he moved the pile. Caddy was playing injured and getting killed and yet, Alstott still didn't get the action he earned. Plus, he's a fan favorite.
And yes, he should have gone to the shotgun earlier! At what point in a 4-12 season do you think it's not worth trying something out? He had nothing to lose after 5 games and did nothing to change his offense to get more out of his players. Like Parcells, he tried to enforce his system and not use a system that his players fit best.
You can't run a endzone fade pattern with Galloway like he did against the Giants. It just doesn't work with a short WR and makes no sense.

[Scott]

Stephen, I think Stallworth from NE would be more likely. If the Bucs can get Stallworth and pay Dallas Clark what ever he wants its a start. I have been tracting a few mock drafts and I see and would love the Bucs to draft DeShean Jackson @ 20. That right there with the hope, and thats alot of hope, that Stovall steps up is a upgrade withe little cap hit. But Stallworth has questions but I feel he is worth it.

[Stephen Holder]

Glenn at 11:14, you said it better than I could. Thanks. This isn't a rip. Just pointing out that they may not be all that hot for Johnson given his antics and personality.

[Tony G]

Keep bobbing and weaving Stephen :) Chad's personality will have nothing to do with whether or not he comes here, money will be the only factor. There has been discussion suggesting that Dungy could handle players like this, well he never would have drafted Sapp with his past issues and in case anyone has conveniently forgotten, Keyshawn trashed Dungy before and after he left.
DR, wake up and take another valium, Alstott's career ended with his neck injury, not because Gruden didn't use him. Check Mike's stats in 2003 prior to his injury, he was on pace to equal or surpass 2002, FYI he was happy about his use in 2002. As far as Keyshawn is concerned, even Parcell's got rid of him...twice

[Tony G]

Keep bobbing and weaving Stephen :) Chad's personality will have nothing to do with whether or not he comes here, money will be the only factor. There has been discussion suggesting that Dungy could handle players like this, well he never would have drafted Sapp with his past issues and in case anyone has conveniently forgotten, Keyshawn trashed Dungy before and after he left.
DR, wake up and take another valium, Alstott's career ended with his neck injury, not because Gruden didn't use him. Check Mike's stats in 2003 prior to his injury, he was on pace to equal or surpass 2002, FYI he was happy about his use in 2002. As far as Keyshawn is concerned, even Parcell's got rid of him...twice

[vince]

Guys -- no reason to waste your time responding to DR. DR is a Duemig (sp?) clone who believes that Gruden won with Dungy's team, Gruden cut Alstott's career short, etc. According to DR, everything is Gruden's fault. He is so anti-Gruden he must be an errand boy for Romano and the other Times reporters (excluding Stephen).

[Krutch]

I hope we don't draft a WR in the first round. Its hit or miss. Go for one in free agency or a trade. There is no way the Cards will give up Fitzgerald, but New England has a stockpile of receivers with winning success that will be available soon. How about Javon Walker? It's time we pay a guy in his PRIME to come catch passes instead of guys just past it for a discount.

[Stephen Blackehart]

People definitely forget that it was Meshawn who sowed so much discord in the Bucs locker room in Dungy's time, how he constantly was the anonymous source of negative info on the team, how he got Les Steckel fired (still the best O-coordinator we ever had) after one season, and how he more than anyone was behind the effort to get Dungy booted in favor of Parcells. I wouldn't call that "managing" his personality.

Both Dungy & Gruden left the managing of Sapp to Monte Kiffin.

As far as WRs go, I'd rather see the team go after someone like Braylon Edwards or Dallas Clark. Forget Stallworth...remember him pre-Patriots? As far as "Ocho Cinco"? I'd ask Jeff Garcia what he thinks first. If he wants him, get him.

[Joe]

We cant sign him. His contract with the Bengals is so steep, they CAN'T AFFORD to trade him! No joke... the Bengals would lose too much money against their cap. Regardless of where he plays, the Bengals have already gave him his guaranteed money, why would they trade him? Unless we (Tampa) were willing to compensate. Hmmm...

[Duane]

Keyshawn wasn't cut because he had a big mouth, he got caught because he was selfish and he was more about MeShawn. His cousins the same way. His team is 4-9 and he is showboating cause h caught a TD pass. Sit down and shutup. Rice and Sapp were cut because both of those players careers were going south. Wish Sapp had stayed because his game was still better than McFarland's, but that was Boogers lack of heart.

[Pete]

we dont need Johnson or his attitude

[Joe Buc fan in MD]

I'd like to think Gruden has learned from some of his mistakes made at One Buc Place in the past. I'll never understand why one of the first moves after winning the Super Bowl was letting go of center Jeff Christy. Anyway, play-makers are needed on this team, 'specially on offense. Can anyone reading this explain why M. Bennett didn't see action against the Giants? The man has REAL speed, as well as damn stong running, from what I saw in his few carries this season. I think he can be a play-maker on this team, given a role and the chance.
As for CJ, and his mouth, hey Randy Moss has been a boy-scout in NE, so people can change, if they want to. Gruden needs to work with his players abilities, not have his players work his system. At least SOME of the time.

[Brandon]

Chad Johnson is a cancer. A time bomb waiting to explode. He has no loyalty to the team, coaches and fans that have supported him and cheered for him and paid him well. He would be no different in Tampa. No denying Johnson is good, but so is Carson Palmer and so is TJ Who'syourmama and yet the Bengals are still mediocre. Give me 22 team guys on the field and we will be far better than if we have 21 team guys and 1 me guy. Do you think it is an accident that the Giants played so well after me-first guys like Tiki Barber retired and Jeremy Shockey was out of the season? No, 22 guys playing together is the way to start. That's the way the Giants won it all and that the way the Patriots have been so good over the years.

[Michael Harris]

I hear the Bucs are going after Shockey and Ocho-Cinco. That would be a powerful and speedy duo who could create mis-matches and raise havoc with all opposing defensive coordinators in trying to game plan the Bucs. I say: Do it!!!

[Michael Harris]

Oh and two more things: the Bucs need to dump Simms and Carnell. They're both toast and don't fit Gruden's system. Perhaps the Bucs can get some late round draft picks for those two. I always felt even before the Bucs drafted Carnell, that he wasn't a true First Round Pick. It appears I'm right.

[Scott]

No possible way should the Bucs consider Cindy Johnson. He is all talk and he may not have missed a game but she does sit out a lot. Cramps, not sure if they are menstral or the fact that he is out on the town here in Cincy getting smashed the night before the game.
He has no respect for his coaches and with out a TJ Houshmanzada type receiver on the other side, Chad is Cindy. It's all about Ocho Stinko.
Somebody needs to get his sorry butt out Cincinnati, just not the Bucs.
His lover is TO, send him to Dallas. Please?!?!?!?!?!?!

Grab your Kotex CJ and get the hell out of town, we are tired of you. But stay away from Tampa