Chad Ochocinco may have finally caught a break. After being released by the New England Patriots last week, the former Pro Bowl receiver signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins yesterday.
The 34-year-old Miami native is coming off his worst statistical season, as his struggles with the playbook limited his opportunities on the field. The Dolphins hope Ochocinco can help bolster a receiving core that traded away its best weapon during the offseason.
First-year head coach Joe Philbin has talked with reporters about the lack of depth at receiver, saying, “You would like to have some players make it easy and distinguish themselves, maybe make the picture a little bit clearer. We have to catch the ball more consistently at every position on offense, because it is not quite where it needs to be.”
You can’t help but wonder if this move was about more than football. The Dolphins new ownership group has tried desperately to gain attention, and with the team being featured on the popular show “Hard Knocks,” the addition of Ochocinco—a reality TV staple who has a new show with fiance Evelyn Lozada called “Ev & Chad”—couldn’t have come at a better time.
