What's Next for Owens?

All of a sudden, there is another big-name free agent on the market. According to an ESPN report, the Dallas Cowboys released Terrell Owens late on Wednesday night, meaning that the moody receiver will soon be searching for a new home (or, I suppose, retiring).

There are plenty of teams -- including at least one in Dallas' own division -- that need help at the wide receiver spot, but at what point do all of T.O.'s shenanigans catch up with him and prevent him from finding a franchise willing to gamble on his ability? Chances are, not just yet. So then the question becomes: whose uniform will Owens be wearing when the 2009 season begins? There are 10 (OK, technically 11) possibilities after the jump.

New York Giants - Seemingly all the pieces are in place for Dallas' hated rival to reclaim its departed spot as Super Bowl champion again next season; all save for a No. 1 wide receiver. The Plaxico Burress saga took New York's big-play threat from it last year, and there's no word on when -- or if -- Burress will be coming back. So instead of drafting a WR, how about convincing Owens to come to NYC? If you're trying to find causes that might motivate T.O., sticking it to the 'Boys would almost certainly qualify.

Chicago Bears - I can't see this one coming to fruition, but if there is a team that needs an offensive game-changer, it's the Monsters of the Midway. If this were to happen, the over/under on number of Chicago plays before Owens punches Kyle Orton for throwing behind him would be about two.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - If the Bucs hadn't just locked in nearly $10 million on an Antonio Bryant franchise tag, this might actually be a viable option. Of course, Owens in a locker room with Kellen Winslow and an inexperienced quarterback makes the Orton situation look like paradise.

Philadelphia Eagles - No, just kidding. ... Wait. Does this make sense?

St. Louis Rams - Torry Holt asked for his release, which means that the Rams have no one at the wide receiver position. A team like this could come into play because those squads on the verge of Super Bowl contention may not want to take on the risk. That's not to say the Rams would have any interest, but if all the NFL's top teams pass, and T.O. wants big bucks and to be the undisputed No. 1 guy, it's not unfathomable.

Oakland Raiders - Why is it that, whenever a troubled NFL star becomes available, the Raiders always surface as a potential landing spot? It could be because Al Davis is crazy. And it's that craziness that might make a move here. JaMarcus Russell needs someone to throw to, after all.

Miami Dolphins - Maybe T.O. would enjoy playing in this free-wheeling offense. Or maybe he and Bill Parcells would fight to the death.

New York Jets - The Jets needed a wide receiver before losing Laveraneus Coles to the Bengals. Rex Ryan might be the type of coach that can settle him down for an entire season -- if only Brett Favre was still around.

Baltimore Ravens - Can I just go on record and say that I could see this working out? The Ravens are the type of organization, with the type of strong veterans (see: Lewis, Ray) that could keep Owens in line. You team him with Derrick Mason, and suddenly the Ravens' sometimes-stagnant offense looks a lot better.

Indianapolis Colts - ESPN brought this possibility up -- and I immediately scoffed at it, but is it a possibility? The Colts would give Owens a title shot, and Peyton Manning would let him put up ridiculous numbers.

New England Patriots - Another ESPN-fueled idea, but it's hard to get behind this one. Sure, the Pats have kept Randy Moss more or less together since he wound up there, but adding T.O. to the mix is just asking for disaster.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-05-2009 @ 3:36AM

cantstopdrinkin said...

He better not go to the Pats! Weither it worked or not that just straight up wouldnt be far to put Moss, Owens, Welker, and Brady together. lol. But seriously i could defiinetly see the Ravens working out. Flacco, Owens, Mason, Heap, and Willis would be a pretty decent offense to pair with that D. If the strong veteran lockeroom could keep him under control (and to TO's credit he normally does work out the first year if you look at the first year of every year he joined) he could be just the piece to maybe push them into championship contention for a year or 2 .

3-05-2009 @ 3:40AM

Now that i think about it im really surprised you didnt mention Carolina Chris. Could you imagine Jake, Smith, Owens, and Stewart together? Also maybe Denver - Cutler, Marshall, and Owens (yikes) .....

Ok one more , the Chargers - Rivers, Owens, Chambers, LT, Sproles .....

3-05-2009 @ 9:47AM

Chris Burke said...

I can't see Carolina taking that chance considering it already has Smith/Muhammad. I could actually see Holt going there, though.

Denver's interesting and one columnist out there wrote that the Broncos should go get T.O.; I guess it's a possibility, he'd have the QB and coach situation that he'd need.

I don't know that the Chargers could pony up the dough for Owens, given all the $$ they have invested in RBs.

3-05-2009 @ 4:13AM

Ayinde' said...

The Danny just put some fuel in his Jet, nothing would be more enjoyable for him to win a Lombardi with T.O., especially after Jerry Jones cut him!! Portis, Owens, S.Moss, Cooley, Randle-El(the PERFECT Wildcat QB other than Vick, who's gonna be available, hmmmmmm, that Nike commercial just might come true after all), with weapons like that, Tevin "Jason" Campbell should put up good numbers so he'll get paid as a free agent next year. Oh wait a minute, there's not going to be a salary cap any longer. So now The Danny will buy Vick over the summer, keep him on the bench till he get's in football shape and learns the offense, and around week 9, he'll prove to be the most exciting player again, Tevin "Jason" Campbell will leave, and The Danny will pay Vick $100 million. Also with no cap, he'll buy Julius Peppers and Shawn Merriman to complete his grand scheme!!!!

3-05-2009 @ 5:07AM

TsaiRoK said...

If you think Big Tuna would even think about bringing T.O. to Miami you're crazy. I wouldn't even want to imagine ....

I have no clue what team is hurting so bad that they will pay for Ownes, and I can't wait to find out. I just feel bad for whoever that team is. No WR in the league that causes that much trouble is worth the price tag or the headache.

3-05-2009 @ 10:07AM

Tammy said...

The Cowboy fans thought the Eagles were making a big mistake letting go of t.o. because of the problems he caused. And now the fans are saying the same thing that Eagle fans said....GOOD RIDDANCE T.O.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He might be good on the field, and he has the talent. But, work ethics and getting along with your peers says a lot too. You might be a good player, but your attitude SUCKS!!!!!

3-05-2009 @ 10:36AM

Thanks for the response Chris. Yeah that was my first thought about the Chargers also but i could definetly see them either letting LT go and making him shrink his contract big time and i think A.J. Smith would be able to get TO for a reasonable price and knows the skill position weakest on his team is WR. If he could get TO for a fair price (reason i think he will is because is TOs not gonna have to many contenders knockin on his door and that will the best chance for success) and a 1 or 2 year deal for a trial run Smith would take the chance. He's been trying to get an elite WR through trades and signings for a few years now.....

3-05-2009 @ 11:25AM

Justin said...

Saints? No real star receiver, good leadership at QB to keep him in line. I don't know what their cap looks like, just throwing this out there.

3-05-2009 @ 11:41AM

Dan said...

Re: Bears.

Throw behind him? He's on the verge of Social Security and has trouble getting separation from the line of scrimmage yet alone someone covering him!

That said, bring him on. This city needs a circus. I don't see how it could hurt.

3-05-2009 @ 11:51AM

doomycota said...

I don't see them picking up Vick or Merriman or Peppers for that matter, even with out a salary cap next year. I do however see good old Danny fueling up "Redskins 1" and flying T.O to Washington for contract negotiations with Vinny...I see it, that doesn't mean I would want it.

If it happens, I am a skins fan, I've taken a lot worse than the likes of T.O. ...the last name Lloyd brings back terrible memories. I would wine and complain, but then I would still root for the Redskins because I bleed Burgundy and Gold.

3-05-2009 @ 12:22PM

WEZZERS said...

I am so glad to see to without a job because of his mouth once again, but this time he may have to retire.! yes he may be a good player, but my goodness keep your mouth shut and just play the game. so now his attude and mouth cost him his job once again. get those boo-boo lips going to so i can laugh at u again. dumbass. maybe you will keep your piehole shut from now on. by the way thanks for making my Thursday morning a good 1.

3-05-2009 @ 7:07PM

Na Justin there is absolutely NO chance of the Saints goin for him... thank god. Im a diehard Saints fan and know for a fact they wont. We are already stacked at WR and the current coach and management cleaned out all the players like that out of the Saints locker room before the 06 season to change the culture here and they will not go back . They are only bringin in high character guys. Plus we have super little cap room and the tad bit of room left they are using to sign either a Safety (Darren Sharper probably), linebacker (maybe Derrick Brooks), or a power RB . And out of those 3 positions whichever ones they dont fill through signing they are going after in the draft. The LAST thing management is thinking about are WRs....