Terrell Owens: 49ers Should Answer Controversial WR's Pleas and Sign Him

The career of controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens began in San Francisco with the 49ers. While there have been plenty of stops on his long, strange journey through the NFL since, it seems as though T.O. would like to come full circle in the City by the Bay.

Owens expressed interest in the Niners when he tweeted to current 49ers safety Donte Whitner. The two were also teammates with the Buffalo Bills, two seasons ago. After releasing disappointing wideout Braylon Edwards earlier in the week, San Fran is very thin at the position.

Even though Michael Crabtree and the unheralded Brett Swain are currently the only two healthy receivers on the roster, every indication is that the Niners will look to promote a receiver from the practice squad rather than bring in outside help, according to Cam Inman of the Mercury News.

I think that would be a major mistake. While the Niners have the defense and running game to succeed in the playoffs, they lack explosion in the passing game. Crabtree isn't the deep threat he was advertised to be coming out of college and tight end Vernon Davis hasn't exactly had a banner year.

Quarterback Alex Smith would certainly benefit from another option in the passing game. Owens is 38 years old and coming off an ACL injury, but he has continually proven to be a reliable weapon.

While his top-flight speed is likely no longer, Owens' size and strength makes him a good deep-threat as well.

Owens had a big year with the Cincinnati Bengals last season, reeling in 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. If he could give the 49ers even half of that type of production, it would be idiotic for San Francisco to not at least explore it.

Some may argue that one of the biggest reasons for the Niners' success has been great team play and a lack of egos. It is well documented that Owens has one of the biggest egos in the business, but I honestly can't see it getting in the way at all.

Owens was truly a model citizen in both Cincinnati and Buffalo so there is no reason to think the same won't be true in San Francisco. T.O. has obviously matured to some extent at his age and I honestly don't see much if any risk in signing him.

It is clear that Owens' best days are behind him and his time in football is winding down, but he understandably wants to make a run at that elusive championship. He needs the Niners and the Niners need him, so I see no reason why they shouldn't reunite.