It was a no brainer.
Take a little less to stay on a better team. Doesn’t assure him a roster spot come Game 1 of the season, but better than being unemployed right now.
Also remember that being on a high profile roster like the Patriots helps Ocho make money off the field, so he will have an opportunity to make up any lost salary that way.
Chad Ochocinco wants to stay in New England badly enough that he’s willing to take less money to do it.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Ochocinco restructured his contract for the 2012 season, lowering his base salary from $3 million to $1 million.