FanHouse Merrill Hoge

ESPN's Merrill Hoge said that the Cincinnati Bengals have quite the trade demands for anyone interested in acquiring Chad Johnson.

ESPN's Merrill Hoge said, based on discussions with the Cincinnati Bengals, he thinks they would only trade receiver Chad Johnson if someone gives up the following:

2 first-round picks and an established player.

And the Bengals would want $5 million back from Johnson in previously-paid bonus money.

Yeah, I don't see that happening. Randy Moss netted just a fourth round pick in last year's draft and he was more accomplished. Getting two first rounders plus a veteran player for Ocho Cinco is waaaaay too much to ask.

Now, Chad's agent Drew Rosenhaus said that the Bengals have already shot down a deal that would've given them two first round picks. If we believe in Drew (*gag*) then maybe this demand isn't too far out there. I just hope my team isn't the one that pulls the trigger on it.

Previously on FanHouse:
FanHouse Mock Draft: Bengals Select Sedrick Ellis No. 9
Bengals Might Not Win Many Games in '08, but They're Awesome at Being Vindictive
Thanks to Chad Henry and Ocho Cinco the Bengals Might Draft a WR in the First Round
Bengals Reject Redskins Offer of Two Draft Picks for Chad Johnson

Merrill Hoge isn't very impressed by Vince Young, and he's made it known enough that Young has ended up lashing out, questioning why Hoge is ripping him.

Well, this week on ESPN's NFL Matchup, Hoge actually said some good things about the Titans quarterback, which has to qualify as shocking.

Hoge watched the Titans-Texans game and was impressed by Young's newfound accuracy and his anticipation. Of course he followed it up by pointing out that one game doesn't a trend make, and that Young needs to show continued improvement in upcoming weeks.

Ron Jaworski, the less anti-Young member of the Matchup crew, said in his watching of the Texans game he saw only two missed reads in 31 passes. And he followed up by pointing out that this seems to be a trend, as he's seen continued improvement from Young this season.

Jaworski and Hoge watch more tape than almost anyone, so for them to give Young credit means a lot. And to hear Hoge praise Young must mean that the second-year quarterback is showing some improvement.