There's a lot of talk of Terrell Owens becoming a Bengal when the NFL free agency period begins in March. While I don't believe that would be the worst thing ever for the team, I believe there's another wide receiver out there who is younger, probably comes cheaper and who could really solve some of the Bengals offensive woes. That player is former Bengal Kevin Walter, who has been a member of the Houston

Texans since 2007. While Walter is not the name or Pro Bowl-caliber athlete that TO is (or was), he would make the offense immediately better.

Let's look at the perks. Walter is only 28 years old, which is 8 years younger than TO. Walter is also a large target. He is 6'3" and would be the second tallest player amongst the Bengals wide receivers (second behind newly signed Matt Jones). Walter, who is only considered a second wide receiver, shouldn't get a huge offer from any NFL team and should come at an affordable price, which is music to the miserly Mike Brown's ears. TO, on the other hand, will demand a high contract with the devil himself, Drew Rosenhaus as his agent. Plus, Walter comes with none of the extra "baggage" that TO brings to the table. TO might have Ochocinco's endorsement, but push comes to shove, Walter's existence would make Chad a better player.

Walter, to me, could fill the role that TJ Houshmanzadeh filled so admirably for the Bengals and that they so desperately missed this year - possession receiver and red zone target. With Chad Ochocinco on the outside, obtaining double coverage, Walter could open the middle and short yardage possessions and help the team move the chains. This gives Carson Palmer more options. Add in a developing Andre Caldwell and throw Matt Jones into the deep threat/Chris Henry role and Walter immediately makes the Bengals better.

Send Lavernues Coles packing, replace him with Walter, resign Reggie Kelly at tight end and all of a sudden, the offense starts to resemble its once-potent self. Hopefully, Chase Coffman gets on the field and he would also become a nice receiving threat and red zone target. So, with just one addition, and a couple players back from oblivion (Coffman) and injury (Kelly) and the signing of Walter and the Bengals could improve on their offensive output. Now, that being said, I would still pursue a rookie WR in the upcoming NFL draft to fill the role that Jerome Simpson is clearly incapable of handling.

NFL cincinnati bengals, nfl 2010 offseaon, kevin walter, terrell owens, chad ochocinco