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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass under pressure from Darrell Revis #24 of the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass under pressure from Darrell Revis #24 of the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated theChris Trotman/Getty Images

NFL Free Agency Rumors: 10 Potential Suitors For Terrell Owens

Justin EisenbandDec 21, 2010

Last week, the Cincinnati Bengals placed wide receiver Terrell Owens on the injured reserve list thus ending his season. Owens, while failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the tenth time in his career, was the number one wide receiver for the Bengals this year. He compiled 72 receptions for 983 receiving yards and also added nine touchdowns on the season.

It was somewhat of a revival season for Owens.  Playing in two fewer games, Owens had 150 more receiving yards and 17 more receptions with the Bengals than he did with the Buffalo Bills last season. Despite Owens' success this year, the Bengals truly struggled to a 3-11 record.

Owens has already stated that he plans on playing for two to three more years. With his performance this year, there should be several willing suitors this offseason.

Here are ten possible destinations for Terrell Owens:

Atlanta Falcons

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05:  Receiver Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass during warmups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Receiver Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass during warmups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Falcons have been quite successful this season so far amassing a 12-2 record. Atlanta's passing game, however, has been merely average ranked 14th in the NFL at 227 passing yards per game.

The passing offense has been concentrated mostly among just Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez who combine for well over 50 percent of the Falcons passing offense. Michael Jenkins has been solid since returning from injury, but he does not have near the talent of Owens.

If the Falcons fall short of the Super Bowl this year look for them to go after Owens as a piece to push them over the top.

Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05:  Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty

The Chiefs control their own playoff destiny in the last two games of the season. With those games coming at home against the Titans and Raiders, the Chiefs have an excellent chance to win the AFC West.

While the Chiefs are certainly a talented team, they are not quite Super Bowl contenders this season. Although of course Kansas City will have every opportunity to win a home playoff game, a road game against the Steelers or Patriots in the second round most likely awaits.

The Chiefs have had the best running game in the NFL this season; however, Kansas City is ranked just 30th in the passing game. Dwayne Bowe is inconsistent, Dexter McCluster is better suited as a slot receiver, and who knew Chris Chambers was still in the NFL?

The Chiefs need a second, more consistent receiving threat badly, and Owens could be provide that from the wide receiver position.

San Francisco 49ers

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29:  Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after scoring a 38 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on No
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after scoring a 38 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on No

It has been over seven years since Owens rocky departure from San Francisco, and the 49ers may be willing to bury the hatchet after Owens' tumultuous exit.

The 49ers ranked 22nd in the passing game this season with a majority of the offense moving through either tight end Vernon Davis or running back Frank Gore.

The top two 49ers wide receivers, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan, have combined for less than 1200 yards receiving this year so far. San Francisco could use some more talent and depth at wide receiver.

Allowing Owens to finish his career in the place where it started could also be a big incentive to lure the wide receiver.

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Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19:  Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-18. (Photo b
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-18. (Photo b

The Seahawks' offense has been miserable throughout the season, but mostly due to the horrific run game rather than the average passing game. On the other hand, Seattle could draft a quarterback in an effort to rebuild next offseason.

Seattle lacked a true number one threat all season from the wide receiver position. Mike Williams has been solid, but he is better suited for a number two role.

However, Owens will likely want to go somewhere he has a chance to win a Super Bowl and the Seahawks look as if they are a couple years away.

Oakland Raiders

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05:  Jacoby Ford #12 the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Jacoby Ford #12 the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders have been an enormous surprise this season winning seven games thus far, and they are still in mathematical contention for the AFC West with two games left.

The problem has been in the passing game which ranks 23rd in the NFL. It is time to accept that Darrius Heyward-Bey is a complete bust. Neither Louis Murphy nor Jacoby Ford are true number one threats, at least at this point in their careers. In fact, tight end Zach Miller leads the Raiders in both receptions and yards despite having less than 50 receptions and 600 receiving yards.

The Raiders may have a legitimate shot to compete next year, and Owens could be a piece that finally takes Oakland back to the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05:  Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens argues a call with a referee during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won 13-10.  (Photo by Geoff Bur
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens argues a call with a referee during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won 13-10. (Photo by Geoff Bur

The Ravens do not seem to shy away from aging wide receivers—Baltimore's number two and number three receivers, Derrick Mason and TJ Houshmandzadeh, will have a combined age of 71 next season.

Since both Mason and Houshmandzadeh have become less effective of late, they could retire at the end of this season. Even if both stay, the Ravens could target Owens in an effort to add depth and talent to the wide receiver position.

The Ravens could offer Owens one of the best opportunities to win a Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 25:  HinesWard #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops to a knee in celebration of a touchdown to tie the score 20-20 against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on September 25, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pe
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: HinesWard #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops to a knee in celebration of a touchdown to tie the score 20-20 against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on September 25, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pe

Another team that could provide Owens an excellent shot at a Super Bowl, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a possible destination.

Age has seemed to catch up with Hines Ward this season, possibly opening a spot in Pittsburgh. On the other hand, second round pick Emmanuel Sanders has impressed so far. Likely, the Steelers will want to give Sanders every opportunity to win a starting job if Ward can no longer be as effective.

Pittsburgh will allow Ward to split time as a wide receiver before signing Owens, but Owens may be willing to accept a smaller role in order to win a ring.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars holds up the football after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jagu
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars holds up the football after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jagu

The Jaguars have essentially been a running team this season ranked third in rushing yards per game compared to 27th in passing yards per game.

Jacksonville has a history of signing aging veterans (see Torry Holt), and Owens could provide the number one target that David Garrard has been lacking. Mike Sims-Walker has underperformed throughout the season with a team high disparity of 35 more targets than catches.

The Jaguars may be just one or two players away from becoming a Super Bowl contender, and Owens could fit the bill.

New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12:  Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 31-13.  (Photo
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 31-13. (Photo

I don't really see this one happening with the depth and talent already on the Saints roster at the wide receiver position. At the same time, New Orleans may be willing to accept the variability that comes with signing Owens in exchange for the talent he brings even at his age.

The Saints provide a proven chance for Owens to reach a Super Bowl and could be a very attractive option for him. The question will really rely on whether New Orleans is willing to accept the risk that comes with Owens.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12:  Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for a receiver during the game against the Washington Redskins  at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for a receiver during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by

Down the stretch of the season it has become apparent that the Buccaneers were not built to win this season. The offensive talent on the roster including Josh Freeman, LeGarrette Blount and Arrelious Benn is simply a year or two away from truly competing in the NFC.

Owens could provide a stop gap and tutor to the young wide receivers on Tampa Bay. While some may question whether Owens is the best role model, one would think he has matured by now and could offer some excellent advice to young wide receivers.

Tampa Bay could be attractive to Owens because it offers a chance to compete for a playoff spot. As old as he is, Owens might feel more comfortable in Florida.

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