DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Chad Johnson's agent is imploring the Bengals to trade the disgruntled wide receiver.

Appearing on YouTube, the video-sharing Web site, Drew Rosenhaus said he's "obviously hoping" Johnson gets shipped out of Cincinnati.

"Bengals, if you're listening to me, please trade Chad," Rosenhaus said. "It's obvious that the relationship is not working. It's not going to be effective going forward. From what I hear ... you have the potential of getting two first-round picks for Chad. Why not take the king's ransom and run with it?

"You have a player who's not happy. You have a player that doesn't want to play on your team anymore. Why not take the two first-round picks and run? It would make Chad very happy. It would be great for the Bengals organization to unload a disgruntled player and get two first-round picks, according to the reports that I've seen."

The Bengals are reluctant to trade Johnson for two reasons: One, a matter of principle. Johnson is under contract through 2011. Two, losing Johnson three weeks after Chris Henry's release, would leave the team with only one impact wide receiver — T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called out Johnson this week, daring him to sit out the 2008 NFL season.

Cincinnati rejected the Washington Redskins' offer of their first-round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 that could have escalated to a first-rounder if Johnson hit certain performance levels. Dallas and Philadelphia have also been told Johnson is off limits.

"Obviously, I haven't talked to any of the teams," Rosenhaus said. "I don't have permission. But it's evident that the Bengals can get a trade for Chad that could help rebuild this football team. Chad's 30 years old and he doesn't want to play for the Bengals anymore. Why not make the trade?

"Forget that I'm his agent. Objectively speaking, it seems like a smart move for the organization."

• Read Chick Ludwig's blog for more information at DaytonDailyNews.com/ludwig

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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