Posted: 9:20 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS - The Bengals contingent arrived at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday and with all eyes on wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco, a blast from the past entered the discussion.
Former Bengals wide receiver Kelley Washington already has a visit lined up with the Jets and the Bills have called in the wake of Tuesday's release from the Patriots, but he has already raised the prospect of a reunion with agent Chad Speck.
"He mentioned it to me (Tuesday) night and I think it's something that interests him," Speck said Wednesday afternoon on his way to the combine. "He said he liked it there, liked the people, and enjoyed playing with Carson (Palmer)."
Washington's release has piqued an interest among some Bengals people but Speck hasn't heard from the club. A third-round pick in 2003, Washington caught 72 balls for 893 yards (12.4 average) and nine touchdowns in four seasons as a backup. He's since caught just one ball in his two seasons with New England after he left in free agency.
But with Houshmandzadeh saying he's all but gone in free agency and The Ocho's agent shopping him, it looks like there may be at least one spot open for a veteran receiver.
Washington didn't enamor himself with some coaches early in his career, but by the end he had become a valued special-teamer for coach Darrin Simmons and in his last season of 2006 he averaged nearly 13 yards (12.8) per his nine catches that included a 22-yard touchdown catch. Those last two stats would have led the team this past season. His best season was his second year when he was primarily the third receiver behind Ocho Cinco and Houshmandzadeh and he had 31 catches for 378 yards (12.2) and three touchdowns.
"He's a guy that's familiar with the offense and can play special teams," Speck said.
Ocho agent Drew Rosenhaus may be shopping Ocho Cinco, but the Bengals appear not ready to put him on the block this week.
