Why Isn't TO Signed Yet?

So we’re a few weeks into free agency now and one star wide receiver is still on the open market, Terrell Owens. We all figured that he’d sign late in free agency mainly because teams are wary of taking the always disgruntled “super” star. My main concern thou is the complete lack of interest, from anyone. Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals brought T.O. in for a visit but how come no one else come calling??

Is it his attitude? Is it the possibility of clubhouse turmoil? Is it his declining skill set? I’d have to say they all play a role but the main issue being his salary demands.

John Czarnecki of FOX Sports reports agent Drew Rosenhaus is still asking for a team to give Terrell Owens $5 million for the 2010 season. That’s an extremely large amount for any player this off season, let alone one that comes with the type of baggage Owens does.

In 2009 with the Buffalo Bills, Owens made $6.5 million and didn’t even come close to earning his money. Owens only caught 55 passes, which equates too $118,181 a catch. Yea, over 100k a catch, insanity!!! Let’s look into this even more, Owens only gained 829 yards, that’s $7,840 per yard. The guy was stealing Buffalo’s money last season.

In past years the main knock on signing or trading for Owens has been his diva type history but this year I really feel its different. I think teams are really scared at signing Terrell at the $5 million price tag, especially when you add in that declining skill set.

Let’s look at his last 3 seasons.

2007 – Dallas Cowboys – 81 catches, 1355 yards and 15 touchdowns
2008 – Dallas Cowboys – 69 catches, 1052 yards and 10 touchdowns
2009 – Buffalo Bills – 55 catches, 829 yards and 5 touchdowns.

First, I’ll completely discount the touchdown decline, last year he did play on the Bills atrocious offense. He definitely did not have as many opportunities as in previous years. But you can’t discount the decline in receptions and yardage from.

His 55 catches in 2009 was T.O.’s lowest total since 1999, that’s ten years! (I’m ignoring his 2005 season with the Philadelphia Eagles as he only played in seven games). Can I discount this to playing for the Bills? Yes and no. His 2008 total of 69 catches was also his lowest total since 1999 and there is no way you can say the Cowboys offense was just as bad.

Let’s look at yardage. His 829 yards in 2009 was his first season under 1,000 since 1999, again ten years. I bring up the same point I made about the receptions. You again can’t say its because he played for the Bills. In 2008 he gained 1052 yards, also his lowest total since 1999.

While Owens may think he is still one of the best receivers in the NFL the numbers don’t lie. His numbers have been in a steady decline for a few years ago and he can’t blame it on his quarterbacks anymore. He’ll turn 37 during the 2010 maybe its just father time finally catching up with him.

So is there a team out there that might be willing to give Owens what he’s looking for??? Czarnecki thinks there is, the Chicago Bears.

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Because the Chicago Bears have pushed all their chips into the middle of the poker table in order to win now, they look like a good team to land Owens, even if his style doesn’t suit the Mike Martz offense. He remains a name and still has enough speed that Jay Cutler can’t overthrow him.

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In theory it makes sense, the Bears are light on draft picks and have gone on a free agent spending spree. They’re playing for now and adding Owens could be another piece to the puzzle as they try to catch the Minnesota Vikings. It would also give quarterback Jay Cutler a big target to throw too, even if he does drop about ten of those passes a year.

I’m thinking it won’t happen thou, cause when does anything make sense with Terrell Owens??? I say Owens is still on the market after Draft Day.