Coach Marvin Lewis reached an agreement with owner Mike Brown on Tuesday to return to the Bengals, representing the first of what is expected to be many crucial offseason decisions for the organization — including the future of WR Chad Ochocinco.

It’s a conversation that was sparked a month ago by a nugget from NFL Network information man Jason La Canfora that Ochocinco, WR Terrell Owens, QB Carson Palmer and RB Cedric Benson could all have new addresses next season. And when Lewis threw a quick jab at Ochocinco several weeks later, it may have served as a warning shot.

Even the Bengals’ official site seemed to suggest that the team’s all-time leading receiver was on the way out of Cincinnati, saying the return of Lewis ”would seem to seal the departure” of both Ochocinco and Owens.

The Bengals hold a $6 million option for Ochocinco next season, and Palmer’s four-touchdown performance with Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley against the Chargers in Week 16 showed the offense can excel without the enigmatic receiver.

Let’s throw this back to you: Should the Bengals bring back Ochocinco next season?

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