The moment the Buffalo Bills didn’t offer Terrell Owens a contract for the 2010 season, my first thought was that there are several NFL teams who should sign him.
Before you say it, I know Owens can be a cancer and divide a locker room. I remember what happened in Philadelphia and Dallas. But since leaving San Francisco, Owens has been on his best behavior during the first year with a new team.
While some people are concerned that Owens will be 37-years-old in December, he’s always kept his body in peak physical condition.
Speaking of 37-year-old wide receivers, look no further than Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. After Rice turned 37, he had three more very productive years where he recorded at least 75 receptions, 800 yards and seven touchdowns.
Though Owens saw his reception totals drop for the second straight year, his lack of production in Buffalo came early in the season when there were questions with the quarterback. Things began to pick up for Owens when Ryan Fitzpatrick was given the starting role.
Over the last eight games of the season, Owens caught 32 passes from Fitzpatrick for 463 yards and four touchdowns. While those aren’t Pro-Bowl numbers, they would be ideal for any of the following teams if they signed him to a one-year contract.
Baltimore Ravens
According to several media outlets, the Ravens have been at the forefront of the Owens discussion this week. Last season, running back Ray Rice led Baltimore with 78 receptions for 702 yards and one touchdown, followed by Derrick Mason who had 73 receptions for 1,028 yards and nine touchdowns.
The addition of Owens to the lineup will help balance out their attack and prevent opposing defenses from placing eight men in the box to stop the run. This move would also help Joe Flacco’s progression as an NFL quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals
Last year the Bengals saw a more productive Chad Ochocinco, who hauled in 72 receptions for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite this solid production, the Bengals passing game was lackluster all season.
The addition of Owens to the Cincinnati offense would give Carson Palmer two solid options. Although the addition may not help stretch defenses too much, it should allow more options on play action passes.
The Bengals have shown that they aren’t afraid to take chances on players who have been an issue in the past.
New York Jets
The Jets had an amazing season in 2009 that fell short when the lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game. They used a dominant running game and a solid defense to help carry them. Things are expected to change with the release of running back Thomas Jones this off-season.
The Jets will need to rely more on second year quarterback Mark Sanchez, who completed 53.8% of his passes for 2,444 yards with 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
Even with the apparent return of restricted free agent Braylon Edwards to the team, the Jets could use another solid option for Sanchez. Owens would fit perfectly alongside Edwards and Jericho Cotchery.
Of the three choices, the Jets would be the smartest choice but eventually the Ravens will pick up Owens for one year.
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