NFL Free Agency: Why the Baltimore Ravens Should Sign Terrell Owens

Say what you want about Terrell Owens' character and his age, one thing about the controversial wide receiver that can never be questioned is his production. Production that the Baltimore Ravens could use with their receiving corps looking less than stellar.

With the cutting of Derrick Mason, the Ravens could use someone like a Owens, who could come in for a year and produce while the coaching staff grooms second-year man David Reed and 2011 second-round draft pick Torrey Smith.

There's obviously risk that comes along with bringing in a talent and ego like Owens, but considering his antics in San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, his recent years with Dallas, Buffalo and Cincinnati have been quiet.

In fact, one could argue that the Tennessee-Chattanooga alum had himself a quietly productive season in 2010. In 14 games with the Bengals, Owens racked up 983 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 72 receptions, which was his highest amount since 2007 with the Cowboys.

Baltimore is built for a deep playoff run this season if they can win the competitive AFC North or clinch a Wild Card spot. Their defense finished the 2010 regular season as the tenth best defense in the NFL and they managed to make it to the AFC Divisional playoff round before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With Joe Flacco back for his fourth season with the Ravens, and the possibility of having both Anquan Boldin and T.O. line up for this offense, the passing attack should improve from a 20th-ranked finish last season.

If Owens could put up numbers similar to last season with the Bengals, and have productive years from Ray Rice and Boldin, there's no reason this team can't find it's way into the postseason.

If the Ravens trade with the 49ers had gone through in 2004, Owens would have been a member of the purple and black. Maybe 2011 is the year the high-profile wideout suits up for Baltimore. The only thing that would need to be decided of course, is who gets to don the number 81—Boldin or T.O.?