Cowboys Reportedly Having 'Serious Discussions About Releasing T.O.'

Terrell Owens is 35 years old and has a $3.1 million roster bonus coming his way in June. Those facts, coupled with the perception that he's not the easiest guy to work with, probably have everything to do with speculation that the Cowboys might release him in the coming months.

Last week, the Dallas Morning News' Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote that the organization faced some serious offseason questions, particularly of the "Do we have anybody on staff who can control T.O.?" variety. The obvious answer is: "Bill Parcells," but I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed (or has it?*)

That said, as MDS pointed out at the time, "We should be clear that Owens is in no way, shape or form similar to [the recently released] Pacman [Jones]. Owens is both a much better player on the field than Pacman and a much better person off the field than Pacman. These are not similar situations."

Couldn't agree more, by the way. I certainly understand why some people find Owens exasperating, particularly fans of the 49ers, Ravens, Eagles and Cowboys. But at the same time, T.O. has never fought his bodyguard in a hotel bathroom, doesn't murder puppies, and somehow avoided threatening to shoot a teammate. He's just a pain in the ass in the locker room.

Whatever your thoughts on Owens, the National Football Post's Mike Lombardi confirms that "I Love Me Some Me"'s tenure in Dallas could be over in short order:

I know the Cowboys are having serious internal discussions about releasing Terrell Owens very soon. Serious discussions. The $3.1-million roster bonus due Owens in March is also adding to the discussions. It may affect the decision that Jason Garrett makes if he is offered a head coaching job.

Assuming it happens, the question then becomes: So, which team will scramble to sign Owens? I suppose that depends on if you think there's a head coach able to handle all the off-field baggage that comes with the on-field production.

Off the top of my head, Tony Sparano and Parcells immediately come to mind. Plus, the Dolphins need a big-play wideout. Of course, the first time Chad Pennington underthrows him by 30 yards, I'd fully expect Owens to lose it.

Jeff Fisher and Tom Coughlin also seem capable of handling the T.O. sideshow, and both the Titans and Giants could use a legit No. 1 wide receiver. And naturally, Bill Belichick. He is a genius, after all. I'll be honest: I don't even want to consider a Patriots offense that trots out a healthy Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker AND Terrell Owens. For what it's worth, neither does Matt Cassel, I'm guessing.

* baseless speculation

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

1-14-2009 @ 6:43PM

Adam said...

I swear that if Dan Snyder signs him I'm changing my allegiance to the Ravens. This is one thing that would make me do it.

1-14-2009 @ 10:22PM

Philip said...

Hey man,, You can't change your team if something doesn't go your way.. I don't think Syders stupid enough to sign Owens.. Stick with your team through thick and thin..

1-15-2009 @ 12:28AM

I've stuck with the Skins through everything, but signing TO would be too much. At least until Snyder and/or Cerrato leave.

1-14-2009 @ 7:48PM

dubbz3030 said...

I just dont see the Ravens Players taking an immediate liking to him.

I can see the Patriots wanting to bolster their offense even more, but TO doesn't fill any of their needs.

I can see Someone like the Giants, after releasing Plax, but Manning-to-T.O.? That just sounds like its waiting to fall apart.

He should just bail out of his career now, have his agent start calling the exec's at ABC for next years Dancing With The Stars.

1-14-2009 @ 9:21PM

becarefulangel said...

I am not a fan of T.O. I think he'd be better on the field if his antics were kept to a minimum off the field. However, he would be perfect for the Patriots. Just look at how Belichick has turned Randy Moss around.

1-14-2009 @ 10:20PM

I have to agree, I'm a Redskins fan, Therefore i'd hate to see T.O. come to Washington,, On the other hand I'd love to see Belichik get ahold of him. I've always been a fan of Randy Moss and now that he's a cool guy on and off the field I also can respect him and put him up there with the elite players in the league..

1-15-2009 @ 10:05AM

rbearfield said...

idiot, bilichek didn't turn moss around.

1-15-2009 @ 8:42PM

Do you not remember his string of controversies, such as his comments about the Marshall plane crash, or his marijuana use, or his lack of effort with the Raiders? Have you not noticed that the controversy has been kept to a minimum during his career with the Patriots? Say what you want about the Pats, but their players behave.

1-14-2009 @ 11:16PM

Andrew said...

I just want him out of the NFC, finally. He KILLS the Giants. Can some AFC team take him (hint: Pats)? Or imagine him with Favre...

Just get him out of the NFC East....

-Andrew
http://noyoureatowelblog.blogspot.com/

1-14-2009 @ 11:53PM

the hog said...

I'd stay a skins fan if they signed him but I don't see it happening I mean don't get me wrong I hate the idea of him ending up a redskin but I dont see Snyder being that stupid or Zorn going along with it. Portis is already having some issues of his own in the locker room put TO in that mess and the skins won't even have a functional team.

Dan said...

The new sports cliche: "I don't like the guy, but I wouldn't wish TO on him."

1-15-2009 @ 12:41AM

dennisg40 said...

T.O. still belongs to the Cowboys. Sports writers and mal content fans looking for a scapegoat are the only ones wanting him to leave. He is not the reason the Cowboys did not make it to the playoffs there were other reasons like Tony Romo, the offensive line, Jason Garrett and Wade Phillips. Yes he can be ignorant and say some things that P.O. people but these are foot ball players not rocket scientists. Yes he does want the ball but I would hate like hell to have a wide receiver that did not want the ball.

1-15-2009 @ 1:13AM

Richard said...

I agree. And I argued along the same lines here:

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/The_Senseless_Scapegoating_of_Terrell_Owens/463156

1-15-2009 @ 3:40AM

melvin l blowe said...

Well iam a died hard cowboy fan but if jerry jones get rid of owens i think that would be the worst move he ever made what the hell is he thinking we need him he need to get rid of romo

1-15-2009 @ 10:22AM

Lynette Lyttle said...

I agree ROMO gotta go, he freeze up under pressure and the girlfriend that he has make him go crazy and he don't perform..he always got that ugle smeck on his face when he throws an interception or just mess up period, I know T.O gets upset with him i do too, T.O don't leave I just brought you jersey lol...and yes I am a COWBOYS fan....

1-15-2009 @ 3:45AM

RICH said...

i could see the dolphins signing him,he played for these guys in dallas and to keep him away from the patriots.pennington is not the fins long term solution at qb

1-15-2009 @ 4:27AM

dallasblows said...

Open your eyes Dallas yokels, your entire offense is atrocious. With the exception of the barbarian. Look at your sorry excuse for a team and move on with your pathetic lives losers!

1-15-2009 @ 6:29AM

kevinhindmanlive said...

Send TO to SEATTLE so Hassellbut has someone to throw to.

1-15-2009 @ 7:13AM

Robert said...

Unless Mike Shanahan is putting pressure on Jerry to release T.O. before he comes here this doesn't make any sense. Mike is on record that he don't particularly care for T.O. The big mistake would bring Mike Shanahan as coach instead of Offensive coordinator. This kind of thinking of getting rid of the only true offensive threat you have discus me.

Keep the team you have and improve with what you got instead of listening to the naysayers not having faith in the team. That's the reason why moral is low because of the double minded actions of this delusional owner just like the rest of them except for maybe Pittsburgh and New York the owners of the NFL could care less for the people they employ. Keep T.O. get rid of Jerry.