"It took six days, but the Bengals finally landed a free agent they expect will become Chad Ochocinco's running mate at wide receiver.

Antonio Bryant, who agreed to a four-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals on Wednesday, wasn't their first choice - that would be Kevin Walter, who re-signed with the Houston Texans on Friday.

But considering the alternatives, Bryant is the right choice for the Bengals now.

Terrell Owens would have provided off-field excitement and in pairing with Ochocinco would have been a marketing department's dream. But there's doubt about how many big games he has left in himat 37 years old.

Brandon Marshall is a tremendous talent but is not worth the risk despite having two straight seasons with more than 100 receptions. He reportedly became a headache to the Denver Broncos over their final three games of last season after achieving various personal goals and making the Pro Bowl.

After being called out in a meeting by coach Josh McDaniels, Marshall started complaining about hamstring problems. After he was late to a physical therapy session, the Broncos suspended him for their finale against Kansas City - a game that would have clinched a playoff spot for Denver if it had won.

In Bryant, the Bengals get a proven veteran who still has potential for more strong seasons. At 29, he's also four years younger than Laveranues Coles, the player the Bengals hoped would be their solution at wide receiver when they signed him last offseason.

Like Owens and Marshall, Bryant has had his share of issues, but over the last two seasons he was a dependable part of Tampa Bay's offense - especially in 2008 when he totaled 1,248 yards on 83 catches - and he can stretch the field.

But the addition of Bryant doesn't mean the Bengals are done addressing their receiving problems. Matt Jones, whom they signed last month, could be a pretty good addition, but he still has a lot to prove after going through substance-abuse issues and not playing in the NFL last season. Jerome Simpson, who is entering his third NFL season, needs to make major progress this year. Quan Cosby showed as a rookie late last season that he could be a fourth receiver, but he is more valuable as a returner."