3 Teams That Should Take a Chance on Terrell Owens

Former NFL receiver Terrell Owens saw his short tenure in the Indoor Football League (IFL) end Tuesday, when the Allen Wranglers informed the 38-year-old that his contract was being terminated. 

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, Owens was let go because he violated the contract he signed back in February of this year. While no definite reason was given, an unwillingness to participate in two crucial road games and not showing for an appearance at a local children's hospital were the leading causes for Owens' release.

Owens was using the IFL stint to generate interest in a return to the NFL, where the volatile receiver last played in 2010. He caught 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns with the Cincinnati Bengals that year, but blew out his ACL during the following offseason. Owens would miss the entirety of the 2011 season as a free agent. 

The NFL interest this offseason has been nonexistent, which spurred the IFL trip. 

Now that Owens has been released from the far-inferior league, could there be any future interest from NFL teams?

Wranglers GM and former Dallas Cowboys receiver Drew Pearson thinks Owens can still play in the NFL, but that many other factors could keep him out.

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It's very difficult to get back into the NFL, especially at that age. To me, there's no question he could play in the NFL. When I see these receivers that are playing, there is no question Terrell could still play in the NFL. But it's not what happens between the lines with Terrell, unfortunately. It's how he handles things outside the lines.

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When the dust finally settles, the factors keeping Owens out of the NFL are far more likely to outweigh any potential benefit that adding Owens could bring to a franchise. His personality has proven to be a cancer at every stop he's made in the NFL, so there's little reason for any team to take a risk on the 38-year-old. 

However, if we focus on just the football aspect, a couple of teams do make sense for Owens. Here's the short list:

Houston Texans

Again, keep in mind that this fit only works on a football level. 

The Texans have struggled to find a capable No. 2 receiver for most of Andre Johnson's tenure in Houston, and he's now entering his 30's with a history of injuries. Adding Owens would be a potential short-term answer at No. 2 receiver and a safeguard in case Johnson goes down at any point in 2012. 

New York Jets

If there's any locker room where Owens' personality could be lost in shuffle, it's in New York. Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Rex Ryan provide more than enough to keep Owens out of the media spotlight. 

And while the Jets did draft Stephen Hill to take over opposite Santonio Holmes at receiver, there's certainly ways offensive coordinator Tony Sparano could get all three on the field at one time. New York needs more out of its passing game in 2012.

Baltimore Ravens

While the Jets locker room is a media circus where Owens could get lost, the Ravens have one where the receiver's diva personality wouldn't fly. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin and no-none sense head coach John Harbaugh would keep Owens in check. 

With Torrey Smith, Boldin and Owens on board, quarterback Joe Flacco would have a talented trio of receivers to work with for 2012. Certainly, Owens could provide more than fellow veteran Lee Evans did in 2011.