Terrell Owens Not Re-signed in Buffalo

Terrell Owens is once again looking for work. The often volatile wide receiver will not be back in Buffalo as the Bills have opted not to resign him. He is now a free agent and the question arises, what kind of market exists for a 36 year old wide receiver, even one with the talents of T.O.? He caught 55 passes last season and the 1,000th pass of his career, becoming only the 6th player in league history to do so. He also moved up to 3rd place on the all time receiving yardage list.

Perhaps one of the best things about Terrell Owens at this stage of his career is that teams know what he brings to the table. He is a known commodity. At some point during the season, he is going to say or do something that gets analyzed and picked over by the media. He will also still make some big plays, at least from time to time. However, the number of times that both those things continue to happen is certain to decrease. So, is there a team out there that is willing to take a shot on a less volatile T.O. with diminishing skills? Now that he has lost some of his matinee idol status and does not draw the same kind of attention (both from the media and from opposing defenses) will he be able to fit in more harmoniously in an NFL locker room?

It was rumored last year that the Baltimore Ravens were wanting to take a shot on T.O. They had considered trading for him during the season but the deal never went through. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Ravens are still interested in his services. T.O. is a logical choice, at least in the short term, for the Ravens. They have a developing quarterback in Joe Flacco who has shown that he has the potential to play at the NFL level. They have made the playoffs the last two years, going to the AFC championship in 2008, which included a stopover in Nashville, beating the Titans, the number one playoff seed from the AFC. Perhaps the belief in Baltimore is that Owens can give them that extra ingredient to push them over the top into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Chad Ochocinco has been said to be politicking for T.O. in Cincinnati. It's hard to imagine the Ocho and Owens show for the Bengals. Not to mention, Chad Ochocinco is not getting any younger himself.

Maybe Terrell Owens can catch on in a place like New England. The Patriots have been known for resurrecting the careers of stars with a history of talent and volatility, having brought in Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon and Randy Moss, who all went on to have renewed success there. Of course, with Moss and Wes Welker already, the Patriots may not consider it worth taking a risk on T.O. Also, the Patriots are not known for doling out big contracts. Is Owens willing to play for the bargain basement Patriots?

There is no doubt that Terrell Owens still has talent, he sells tickets and he maintains himself in top shape. There will be a team willing to take a chance on him certainly. The questions remain who, where, why and for how long?

Sources:
ESPN.com