Terrell Owens: Why His Rebirth in Cincinnati Won't Last Beyond 2010
Terrell Owens has taken Cincinnati by storm in 2010, turning back the clock to produce impressive numbers.
No receiver in the NFL has been targeted more than Owens, who has totaled 45 catches for 629 yards and five touchdowns in the first seven games of the season.
Despite his fantastic start to the season, T.O. is likely to spend the offseason searching for a new home.
The Bengals have been one of the NFL's most disappointing teams this season and could look to get younger.
That means bringing back a player who will turn 37 in December probably wouldn't be in the franchise's best interest.
Here's 10 reasons why Terrell Owens won't be returning to Cincinnati next season.
No. 10: Age
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Owens is an ageless wonder of sorts.
Even at this stage in his Hall of Fame career, he still has no problem fighting off press coverage or getting separation downfield.
But exactly one month away from his 37th birthday, his body is sure to start slowing down soon.
No. 9: Attitude
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Owens has already quipped about "playing for free" this season despite agreeing to a respectable $2 million deal with the Bengals when no other offers came his way.
Aside from that comment during an interview with NFL Network's Michael Irvin, he has been on his best behavior.
There's still time for an outburst or two, especially if Cincinnati doesn't start winning.
No. 8: The Bengals Could Clean House
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As Chad Ochocinco and T.O. reminded us during the preseason, the Bengals didn't appear to be a bad team heading into the season.
In fact, the two divas weren't shy about anointing their team as a Super Bowl contender.
It hasn't quite turned out that way.
At 2-5, the Bengals have lost four straight games and underachieved dramatically this season.
The defense has been hit hard by injuries, but the offense doesn't have any excuses for its missteps.
Changes are coming, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
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No. 7: Carson Palmer Might Not Last
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Carson Palmer's yardage totals and overall numbers aren't horrible.
But he has found ways to make mistakes at all the wrong times.
The Bengals gave Palmer a six-year, $118-million extension in 2005, keeping under contract through the 2014 season
Good luck getting that deal off the books.
Don't be surprised if the Bengals draft a young quarterback in 2011 and slowly begin looking toward the future.
That future plan probably doesn't include Terrell Owens.
No. 6: Does T.O. Fit into the Rebuilding Plan?
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Assuming the Bengals try shake things up a bit on both sides of the ball, T.O. might not fit into the plan going forward.
It's never a great idea for an NFL franchise to include a 37-year-old wide receiver in a rebuilding effort.
No. 5: Will T.O.'s Best Friend Want Out?
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The reality show antics of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens always make the Bengals an interesting team to follow.
If Ochocinco wants out, would T.O. really want to remain in Cincinnati alone?
Probably not.
Ochocinco's contract expires following the 2011 season, and he turns 33 in January.
If he asks out, Cincinnati could move him in hopes of at least getting a little something in return.
The T. Ocho show might end up elsewhere next year.
No. 4: His Interest Will Fade
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T.O. couldn't be happier at the moment.
But the enigmatic receiver is very unpredictable.
It's difficult to imagine him staying interested as the season winds down, already having produced numbers good enough to deserve another chance to play in the NFL.
In his beautiful mind, at least
A decline in interest could trigger a decline in production, making general managers around the league hesitate to take a chance on T.O.
No. 3: His Numbers Will Fade
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Owens has caught five touchdowns in the last four games.
However, it seems unlikely his success will continue.
At this stage in his career, it would be surprising to see T.O. finish with more than 70 catches and eight touchdowns.
It's only natural to wonder exactly how much he has left.
No. 2: Will He Decide to Retire and Pursue Other Interests?
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It's safe to say T.O. has plenty of options outside of football.
Whether it's continuing his reality show exploits or possibly even becoming an analyst for NFL games, Owens likely will have an opportunity to stay in the spotlight one way or another.
T.O. hasn't hinted he is ready to hang it up just yet. But it's possible he could decide walk away after a successful season.
There are plenty of open time slots on VH1.
No. 1: Other Teams Might Want Him
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If T.O. doesn't decide to retire, he could spend the spring and summer looking for a new home.
Despite his age, the quest for employment might prove more successful than last year.
Owens wouldn't help a team looking to return to prominence, but he would be able to add something to contending teams.
As it stands, T.O. might draw interest from a handful of contenders after the season, including the Jets, Falcons and Dolphins.
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