Minnesota Vikings: Why the Vikings Should Sign Terrell Owens

After a tense summer lockout that threatened the regular NFL season, and the lack of Favre-A-Palooza 2011, I assume that the only other drama that would generate headlines (other than Chris Johnson signing a contract) would be Terrell Owens landing somewhere.

Despite his age (37) and the injury he is rehabbing from, Owens is still relevant enough to garner attention by some teams that either lose a wide receiver to injury or need some depth on the roster.

We already have seen teams take some gambles with aging players such as Derrick Mason this year, so the thought of Owens landing somewhere is extremely legitimate.

The questions remain about his health, attitude and cost.  The are no questions about his talent, as his numbers speak for themselves.  So where could he possibly be the right man for the job?

Could it be a fit for the Minnesota Vikings?

Although the Vikings have Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian leading the receiving corp, the questions about Harvin's durability and Berrian's abilities after two sub-par seasons in Minnesota, the Vikings need depth at this position.

Considering the next two receivers, Michael Jenkins and Greg Camarillo aren't exactly studs, the Vikings fail to have the players with the capability of stepping up as a viable option for Donovan McNabb.

Here is why the Vikings could benefit from the talents of Owens.

Considering that Owens has played his best years of his career in a West Coast Offense.  The Vikings, led by McNabb, would be a player capable of adding the depth and the playmaking ability that the Vikings lack at the position.

Owens would find a companion with fellow veteran and former teammate in McNabb and despite any bad blood in Philadelphia, would be able to start fresh with this Vikings team.

With as much turbulence and uncertainty with the effects of Owens returning from his injuries, and the impact that Harvin could have if he stays healthy, the Vikings find themselves left with a dire need for another playmaker and it is uncertain if Berrian will wake up from his slumber.

The "X-factor" is a major player in this new offense.  No one knows how Owens would react, if he will be able to stay healthy and if so, how much of an impact he will have.

Considering the remaining cast of receivers there is no one player that stands out as a real threat, which forces more pressure to a running game and use from the tight ends in passing schemes.

Even though Adrian Peterson is a freak, he is still human, and the failure of the receiving corps will make it harder for him as defenses stuff the box and dare the Vikings to beat them through the air.

Despite McNabb's impressive start to the preseason, it wouldn't be rational to assume that it will last into the regular season, at least on a consistent basis if issues with Harvin and Berrian arise.

By bringing T.O. into the equation, it would allow for several things to happen.

First, the experience in the West Coast system would prove priceless to his teammates and it would allow for defenses to account for his presence which takes the burden off of other receivers and the tight end.

It may not seem rational to bring in another injured player at a high price, but for a one-year contract and the possibility of his impact on the field, it is worth the investment.

Even if Owens would be the third receiver on the depth chart, his presence would still have to be accounted for just by the fact he plays whatever down the Vikings are in.

The negative side of Owens is also a factor in this equation as it has acted like a cancer to teams before and questions also remain as to if he would play for a team that isn't declared a contender for the playoffs.

I think at this point in his career, Owens acknowledges the fact that his prime has passed on and he is providing a different role than he did in years past.  Additionally, you could assume that since no team has contacted him thus far, he would be fortunate to collect another contract before the season progressed too far.

Owens has a chance to be a different kind of contributor now.  Gone are the days of being in the limelight.  Owens would still contribute and could be a major factor where he plays, but the chances are better for him to provide a wealth of knowledge and share his greatness with younger players that can carry the torch.

If Minnesota wants to protect their fragile talent and allow them to flourish for seasons to come, they must reach out to Owens and tempt him to sign. 

Adding Owens would most likely increase the chances of winning the division and going further in the playoffs.  That is what it's all about anyway isn't it?

In my opinion, it's a win-win situation.