Dallas Cowboys Release Terrell Owens After 3 Seasons

After spending 3 turmoil filled seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Terrell Owens, 35, is once again searching for a new team to call home. After missing the playoffs this past year, finishing 3^rd in the NFC East, it appears that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is ready to head in a new direction.

Owens, the Cowboy's leading receiver for all three seasons, has always been one of the NFL's best players, as well as one of its most prominent personalities. In San Francisco, he accounted for nearly 8500 yards, as well as 81 touchdowns, over 8 seasons. He left the city after the 2003 season, having a falling out with the 49ers front office by implying that starting 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia was a homosexual.

Terrell Owens next moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, carrying them to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 20 seasons in 2004. Things appeared to be going well, until just a few weeks into the 2005 season, when he publicly admitted to ignoring then Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Brad Childress. After an emergency meeting with Andy Reid and other staff members, Owens was suspended for the final 9 games on the Eagle's schedule. He was released following the season's conclusion.

Many, myself included, questioned Jerry Jones' decision to add Owens to the Cowboys roster, but it has been his mantra to throw out off field issues when signing players. In 2008, Jones green lighted the signing of both Adam 'Pac Man' Jones and Tank Johnson, both of which were facing criminal charges. Owens played well for the Cowboys over his three year tenure, with over 3000 total yards and 38 touchdowns, despite frequently complaining about the number of attempted passes thrown his way.

Now, with the loss of Terrell Owens, one can only wonder who will step up for quarterback Tony Romo. One name that comes to mind is receiver Roy Williams. Signed during the middle of the 2008 season, Williams was once the Detroit Lions first draft choice (in 2003) as well as leading receiver. Add in one of the NFL's top Tight Ends, Jason Witten, and it appears that the Cowboys offense should not fall off much.

The number one positive that this shocking development brings to the Cowboys locker room is the strengthening of team chemistry. Seeing Terrell Owens yelling at coaches, players, and fans after certain plays only leaves a sour taste in the mouths of Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers fans everywhere.

With his troubled past and outlandish antics, Owens may have trouble finding a new home. He will end up somewhere, with teams like the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears desperate for more offensive firepower. His great statistics do warrant another opportunity somewhere, but one question remains: will he tear down the interior of another franchise?

Source(s): ESPN, CBS Sports