Terrell Owens: No Takers?
Let's not beat around the bush.
Terrell Owens has had a great career, has Hall of Fame stats, and made Dallas a contender, but if we're being real with ourselves, this had to happen.
Owens' age is creeping up on him. He used to be able to carve holes in secondaries with his size and strength off the jam, his second burst, his physical play for the ball.
TOP NEWS
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Colts Release Kenny Moore
Projecting Every NFL Team's Starting Lineup 🔮
Rookie WRs Who Will Outplay Their Draft Value 📈
He used to be able to do that.
Now his speed and strength have diminished, at least to the point where opposing defenses' game plans at times eliminate him from the game, and he's lost a great amount of consistency.
Plain and simple: T.O. is regressing.
However, that doesn't mean his value has to. Contrary to what several ESPN analysts, including Trent Dilfer have said, Owens still has the speed and size to compete at an elite level, and there are teams out there that would sign him in a heartbeat.
Don't think so? Let the following 32-team analysis change your mind:
Almost more unlikely than the Cowboys re-signing him. The Giants have been introduced to wide receiver drama, and they're still not sure they want to keep their prima dona, Plaxico Burress.
Verdict: No way.
Is there really any doubt in your mind that Dan Snyder didn't fall out of his chair when he heard Owens was released? You can expect the rumors in the next few days.
Verdict: Highly possible
Um, do you watch football?
Verdict: Correction, this team is less likely than Dallas to sign Owens.
Ted Thompson doesn't do free agency, and Owens might be a good reason why. However, Donald Driver is in decline and they were interested in Randy Moss a few years ago.
Verdict: It's not impossible, but I just can't see Thompson spending the money.
Owens could land in Randy Moss's old stomping grounds? Sure, if Brad Childress has a conscience. He has zero true weapons at receiver after Bernard Berrian, and his own inconsistency begs for a good bust at the position. Owens would be more than welcome.
Verdict: A real possibility. Owens could give the Vikes' pass attack enough life to let Adrian Peterson roam free.
Why would a 36-year-old star receiver sign with a team that just went 0-16? Because no one else wants him?
Verdict: The market for Owens might be bleak, but he's not that desperate.
Owens probably wouldn't like their quarterback situation. If he called Jeff Garcia gay, who knows what he'd have to say about Kyle Orton.
Verdict: Lovie Smith won't have it.
They seem pretty content with their own star receiver with on-going problems, thank you.
Verdict: They simply don't need the risk.
They already have such great chemistry in the passing game. Hopefully they don't get greedy and mess a good offense up.
Verdict: Their offense spreads the ball too well to keep T.O. happy. It won't happen.
10. Atlanta Falcons
Mike Smith could make a huge splash in his second year, and it would definitely boost the Falcons' chances for a deep playoff run, so it's possible.
Verdict: I think the Falcons like what they have at receiver, and they don't need any more Michael Vick-type star power around.
If Jon Gruden were still the coach, they'd be one of the top five teams in discussions. Tampa Bay is moving in a new direction, and they've already reached out for Antonio Bryant. Just ask Keyshawn Johnson how star receivers end their tenures in Florida.
Verdict: Owens doesn't fit.
Don't count them out on taking a shot at him. If Anquan Boldin is adamant toward leaving, they could trade him and then sign Owens to a long deal. If they are going to lose one No. 81, why not get another?
Verdict: If Boldin gets shipped, the likeliness increases, but otherwise, probably not.
Been there, done that.
Verdict: He didn't leave California on irreparable terms, but this isn't where he's going if he's serious about winning a championship.
14. St. Louis Rams
This is where great receivers go to die. Both Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce have seen dramatic decline in the past few years (Bruce continued it in San Francisco).
Verdict: This offense is in shambles. Owens can't fix it overnight.
15. Seattle Seahawks
They just signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and already have a ton of receivers who will battle for spots in the offseason. Owens would immediately be their No. 1, but this team was 4-12 last year and is at least a year away from competing.
Verdict: They need to establish an identity before taking in risks like Owens.
16. Miami Dolphins
They could use a receiver, that's for sure, but Bill Parcells isn't keen on guys with egos bigger than his own.
Verdict: The Dolphins will continue to develop their young talent.
17. New York Jets
They just lost their second-best receiver, and actually are hurting enough at the position to garner a good look at T.O.
Verdict: I say no, but if they do sign him, would you really bet against Brett Favre coming back?
If you could have Randy Moss on one side, and Terrell Owens on the other, why wouldn't you?
Verdict: Very possible. They took a chance on Moss, so why not Owens? Tom Brady could be in for even bigger numbers than from two years ago.
19. Buffalo Bills
They could use the help at receiver, but they're not a big enough market for Owens to be too interested.
Verdict: Unfortunately, Buffalo, Lee Evans will have to try doing it himself, again.
They try not to rely on Big Ben too much as it is, so why would they want another reason to throw the ball?
Verdict: You don't mess with success and Mike Tomlin knows that.
21. Cleveland Browns
What's better than two guys who either drop the ball or score a touchdown? Ya got me. The Browns could make a serious push in their division with two star receivers (if Braylon Edwards can get it together).
Verdict: Owens won't wear brown. I'm actually not sure, but I just can't see him digging it. Really though, it's Eric Mangini we're dealing with here. The guy doesn't take risks. Outside of Brett Favre, of course.
Their team is an absolute mess, and Owens would have nothing to do with it.
Verdict: They already have all the theatrics they need with Chad Johnson. Not happening.
23. Baltimore Ravens
This almost happened the year he left San Francisco, and it's not impossible that he actually joins them this time around.
Verdict: It's up to Ray Lewis to recruit him. If he can't, it won't happen.
With Marvin Harrison being released, it's always possible, but Owens isn't exactly an upgrade over Harrison in the character department. And, if you haven't noticed, the Colts are pretty big on character.
Verdict: Over Peyton Manning's dead body.
25. Houston Texans
This is a young, rising offense that could use that extra push vertically, but if they're honest with themselves, they'll realize they don't need him.
Verdict: Andre Johnson is a top-five receiver and Kevin Walter is better than people think. Not happening.
It all depends. How badly does Jack Del Rio want to keep his job? Matt Jones has progressed, but let's be honest, they really need help at wideout.
Verdict: If they want to close the gap on the Colts and Titans, this is probably something they need to take advantage of.
27. Tennessee Titans
With Kerry Collins back in the saddle, the Titans have a stable passing game to go with a stout running game. Could T.O. make that passing game as good as their rushing game? Ehh.
Verdict: Owens may not be able to completely change a pass attack anymore, but he would definitely perform well enough to take more attention away from the run game. This is a top-five landing spot.
28. Denver Broncos
If Josh McDaniels almost traded a stud like Jay Cutler, who knows what he'd like to do with Terrell Owens.
Verdict: Denver will spend most of the offseason trying to mend things with Cutler. They don't need any other distractions.
They don't have a receiver past Dwayne Bowe, so they should at least consider it. Matt Cassel throwing deep balls to T.O., with both players in bright red? Yeah, I can see it.
Verdict: Herman Edwards isn't there anymore, so it's possible. Something tells me Todd Haley would be interested.
Their top two receivers are Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, so there's room for improvement. If they land Owens, their offense could wind up being damn near unstoppable.
Verdict: If the Chargers believe he's still a difference-maker, then it could happen.
31. Oakland Raiders
Obviously Al Davis lives for big names, big contracts, and talent, so this could happen. However, if Owens gets any buzz from contending teams, he'd say no to any amount of money.
Verdict: If Owens is desperate, then absolutely. It all depends on his market.
And as of 11:20, his market appears to have gone from undetermined, to extremely bleak.
ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported more than half of the league already saying they were not interested in signing Owens. However, it has to be taken into consideration that teams are often mum about potential free agent signings, and it's unlikely any of these teams would admit to being interested.
The guy is still talented and worth big money, so he'll land somewhere. Stay tuned, though, because if Owens has taught us anything in the past, you can always expect the unexpected.
In a summary note, look for the Titans, Jaguars, Raiders, and Redskins to fight it out for Owens' services.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
