The Cincinnati Bengals had plenty of competition at wide receiver even before they re-opened negotiations with free-agent Terrell Owens. So what happens to receivers on the bubble in Cincinnati if Owens is signed?
Owens
The Bengals likely will carry six receivers on their 53-man roster this year. That number may increase to seven with consideration given to special teams, but it’s not expected. Therefore, with the possible addition of Owens, five players would be slotted into those six roster spots, making for a very tight competition this summer.
Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell, rookie Jordan Shipley and potentially Owens would be locks to make the team. That leaves players like Matt Jones, Jerome Simpson, Quan Cosby, Dezmon Briscoe and Maurice Purify essentially battling for one roster spot, barring injuries.
Either way, the Bengals would end up with quality depth at wide receiver. But by potentially adding a proven veteran like Owens, they could also let a player get away this summer with some potential.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Here’s a look at which receivers are a lock and which are on the bubble:
Chad Ochocinco: Lock
Antonio Bryant: Lock
*Terrell Owens: Lock
Andre Caldwell: Lock
Jordan Shipley: Lock
Matt Jones: Bubble
Quan Cosby: Bubble
Jerome Simpson: Bubble
Dezmon Briscoe: Bubble
Maurice Purify: Bubble
*Bengals are in negotiations with Owens.
