Chad Johnson, for as much as he’s begged and pleaded, isn’t the only one that wants himself out of a Bengals uniform. TJ Houshmanzadeh, maybe the best No. 2 receiver in the league, is saying if he wants out, then trade him.

“If he’s not traded it’s going to be a problem.” Houshmandzadeh told ESPN’s Bob Holtzman.

Houshmandzadeh told ESPN he talked with both Johnson and quarterback Carson Palmer on Wednesday after Johnson demanded a trade from Cincinnati.

Houshmandzadeh said Johnson reiterated to him: “I’m not playing.”

“I think eventually he’ll show up, but then you have to worry about how much of a distraction he’ll be,” Houshmandzadeh told ESPN.

The problem the Bengals have is that the main part of their offense is Johnson. Two years ago, a team would’ve given up a first rounder for him, but after this mess, Cincinnati will be fortunate to get a fourth rounder. It’s not good to trade your best player for a guy that may or may not be in the league next year. Just a thought.