San Francisco 49ers: Why They Absolutely Must Add Terrell Owens to Roster

Not a day after the San Francisco 49ers parted ways with WR Braylon Edwards, former Bay Area WR Terrell Owens is interested in re-joining his former team.

On Owens' Twitter account, he sent this tweet to former teammate Donte Whitner, with whom he played in Buffalo. Then Whitner responded with optimism.

Also, in an article by Steve Resnick of Rant Sports, the author claims that it wouldn't be a bad idea for the 'Niners to sign T.O.:

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At this point the 49ers should be asking themselves why not? The reward is greater than the risk and what a story it would make to have Owens come full circle and give the 49ers a chance at the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.

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So, should the 49ers sign Terrell Owens?

Yes.

For one, he has a changed attitude; what went on in San Francisco and Philadelphia was definitely not the way Owens behaved in Dallas, Buffalo and Cincinnati. He may not have changed a ton, but he's changed nonetheless.

With the 49ers needing a WR who can stretch the field on occasion, Owens could benefit the San Francisco offense. Plus, you know he'll respect head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Regardless of Owens' actions, he still is a big-name WR.

Lest we forget, Owens ranks No. 2 on the all-time receiving yards list with 15,934 yards. Obviously, the great Jerry Rice is the lone man ahead of him.

For the 2011 49ers, T.O. is a solid fit.

Their ground game would definitely be a great complement to him, as he'd likely be in many single-coverage situations. He would provide QB Alex Smith with a deep threat that doesn't currently exist on the roster—or, at the very least, talented depth to rely on.

Not to mention that T.O. is a reliable receiving target—just ask Steve Young and Donovan McNabb. For as much as he and McNabb feuded in Philly, the Eagles would not have made the Super Bowl or had a chance to win it without Owens.

To see that Owens still has ability even though he's 38 years old, look at what he did last season in Cincinnati. T.O. accounted for 983 yards, nine TDs and had 72 receptions. So there's no denying that he can produce.

Terrell Owens can only benefit the San Francisco 49ers; although he's old and frail, it's a decision at least worth considering. The 'Niners are in need of a reliable deep threat in the passing game and this is not a big risk.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27