Bengals Say "No" To Chad Johnson Offer

April 22, 2008 2:37 p.m. EST

Cincinnati, OH (AHN) - A serious offer was made for Chad Johnson this week by the Washington Redskins, however, the Bengals have refused to relinquish Ocho-Cinco's contract.

Washington's offer included two first round draft picks - in the 2008 season and the 2009. While Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has disputed the report of trade offers according to ESPN, he feels the receiver should keep his word and not play this season.

"I've stated our case with Chad," Lewis told ESPN. "He has a contract through 2011. He's stated without an opportunity to go to a different team and a new contract, he wasn't going to play. I think he's a man of his word and says he's not going to play, so don't play."

Several other teams have also made offers to the Bengals for Johnson, including the Cowboys and the Eagles. The problem the Bengals have with trading Johnson is that they would take an 8 million dollar salary cap hit. If Johnson remains with the Bengals and refuses to play, however, they do not need to pay him and can recalculate that money.

Johnson is currently the second highest paid receiver in the game, according to the Bengals. His stats show his worth. Since the start of his career in the 2001 season, he has wracked up over 8,365 receiving yards and has played all but 4 games in his seven year career.

In 2006, he was a major power in leading the Bengals to their first playoff appearance since 1990.