There is a lot of talk about Terrell Owens coming to the Cincinnati Bengals next month in free agency. So in our latest version of "Thought of the Day" in the AFC North, we gave our community a chance to play virtual general manager for Cincinnati.

With a glaring need at receiver, would you sign T.O. to the Bengals or stay away from the controversial receiver?

We know Bengals Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco wants Owens on his team. But here were some responses from our AFC North inbox:

Chris from Dallas, TX, writes: The Bengals do not need Ocho-Uno on their squad. While he still may have some gas in the tank at 36, he has ruined teams in the past and the Bengals seem to have finally gotten their locker room in order. Also, they need young receiving threats. You might be able to cover the trio of Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, and T.O. with the cast of Golden Girls.

Scott Tyler from West Chester, Ohio, writes: T.O. to the Bengals only works if we release Coles. I can't see us keeping his salary and taking on a salary T.O. would expect. I do think they would be a dynamic duo and add in a speedy rookie to run in the slot (Mardy Gilyard, Jordan Shipley, Golden Tate). Now we're talking offense.

Ed from Shepherdstown, WV, writes: Of course getting T.O. can only help make the Bengals all that more of a "me" team. I hope that T.O. will go to the Bungals. It will just make the Steelers (my team) and the other three teams in the division better because it will weaken the Bungals! Although, T.O. is a great athlete, he is a loser and a cancer in the locker room, ask Donovan McNabb!

Douglas from Columbus, OH, writes: Law of Economics--The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I think the Bengals have nothing to lose and everything to gain if they pick Owens up. They could either self-combust and become really bad (we've seen this face of the Bengals before), or benefit from his talent and become a REAL contender. I am willing to flip the coin on this guy.

Bill K. from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Regarding whether Terrell Owens would sign with the Bengals, the answer is very simple: T.O. wouldn't play for what Mike Brown wants to pay.

Jeremy from Evansville, IN writes: I wouldn't rule it out. Not to many teams are going to be on the market for the 36-year-old receiver whose game has declined. Let's also not forget that the Bengals signed Larry Johnson mid-season even though he had been considered a controversial locker room presence. So I would not rule it out. Owens would also complement Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles well.

Adam from Miami writes: No sir, I don’t like it. Could it work? Yes. Would it free us up in next year’s draft to focus on defensive depth? Yes. But no sir, I don’t like it.

Jason from Denver, CO, writes: Why would the Bengals waste a one-year deal on an over-the-hill diva when they can acquire one with some career left right here in Denver?

AFC North final word

James Walker: I am really torn on this one. As Douglas from Columbus, Ohio mentioned, this is the ultimate risk-reward situation for the Bengals. There are plenty of factors such age, chemistry concerns and money that tells me T.O. wouldn't work in Cincinnati. But I also have a strange, gut feeling that the Bengals would be an ideal landing spot for Owens. Cincinnati obviously has an immediate need, and the Ochocinco factor (the two are very good friends) may actually be an advantage in keeping Owens in line. I need more time to think this one through. The answer isn't clearly "yes" or clearly "no" for me at this point.

If you have any additional comments on this topic or future ideas for "Thought of the Day" posts, feel free to send them to our AFC North inbox.