T.O. in the AFC West?

As the months drag on until the 2010 NFL season begins, one of the games most infamous stars has yet to be signed. Terrell Owens has gotten very little interest by any team so far and, honestly, has no one to blame but himself. The former San Francisco 49er/Philadelphia Eagle/Dallas Cowboy/Buffalo Bill wants to play for a team on the cusp of winning a Super Bowl and insists that he has gotten a bad rap and his talents are not diminished. He says he can be productive for 2 or 3 more years.

Over the past few months we have all heard the many rumors that may link TO to one of the AFC West teams. Although it is mere speculation, lets brake it down and then I will discuss the NFL team which i feel is his most likely landing spot for 2010.

Kansas City Chiefs
Though TO has never really been linked here, and recent reports have surfaced saying he does not get along with the KC's head coach, lets ponder what it would be like if Owens was a Chief. My personal opinions are that it would be a terrible fit. What can TO bring to the Chiefs that they do not already have? Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers are the obvious starters. Chambers is a veteran that can mentor the younger KC receivers. Bowe is entering his fourth year but has been working hard to regain his early form. So maybe TO would make a nice slot WR? It seemed pretty obvious Owens has lost a step and will not be quick enough for all the different slot routes, unlike the rookie Dexter McCluster. The only thing I think TO would bring to the Chiefs is competition to push Bowe during camp. The Verdict: No way.

Denver Broncos
Again, not much to link Owens here. As far as personnel goes, I can see this working. After exiling number 1 receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami, Denver has a very young group of unproven wide receivers. In my opinion, right now Gaffney is the best option for Orton to throw to. Eddie Royal must show which WR he is after a great rookie year and a less than stellar sophomore season. Decker and Thomas are both rookies and the Broncos could use a veteran, hard working wide out. Also, Owens wants to play for a playoff team, and Denver has a shot at that. However, I do not see this happening. Say what you will about head coach Josh McDaniels, but there is no denying that the man has a zero tolerance for "divas". The Verdict: highly unlikely.

Oakland Raiders
There have been no confirmed rumors in this matching, but has definitely been tossed around. Oakland is another team that lacks a true veteran wide receiver, and Oakland has not been shy to take a chance on troubled players and to give them all the money they ask for. The Raiders had a pretty bad problem with dropped balls, and though Owens does not have the best hands in the league, he would definitely be a threat and draw some attention. However, Schillens is the clear number one and the Raiders have invested too much in Derrius Heyward-Bay to not start him for at least one more year. The Raiders third WR, Louis Murphy, has high expectations after an impressive rookie year. In addition, the culture seems to be changing in Oakland and I'm not sure if Owens will work well with head coach Tom Cable and new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. Finally, as stated earlier, Owens only wants to play for a Super Bowl contender or they very least a playoff team, and though the Raiders have unquestionably improved this offseason, it remains to be seen if they are going to be a playoff team this year. The Verdict: Unlikely, but could change barring injuries to wide outs

San Diego Chargers
This one is interesting to me, though I know that reports surfaced today saying it wont happen. With top WR Vincent Jackson all but set to hold out for a good portion of the season, the Chargers will be down one big receiver. San Diego fits Owen's desire for a contender, and would provide a nice target for Philip Rivers. Also, who wouldn't want to play half their season in sunny San Diego? But after the signing of Josh Reed, the chances of this pairing became very unlikely. Then, whatever small chance that was left was completely erased after GM A.J. Smith was quoted as saying the following; “We’re all set right now with our receivers. I don’t want to be involved. A lot of people have us targeted, but they know I wouldn’t do it". The Verdict: Nope.

So there you have it. The chances of Owens calling the AFC West home are slim to none. It is a little unfortunate when you think about all the trouble he is having finding a team. Yes he has had problems in the locker room. But in a league where alleged molesters, drug abusers, drunk drivers, and a bunch of other problem players have no problem finding a team, Owens may deserve better. Say what you will, but he has always been entertaining to the NFL. So what team is he most likely to sign with? Well, I see him signing with, drum roll please, the New York Jets! When you look at the players Rex Ryan's team has brought in, I don't see Owens as being someone they wouldn't look at. Owens would absolutely consider the Jets a playoff team/championship contender, and he would be an upgrade over Braylon Edwards.

Of coarse all of this is speculation, so let me offer one guarantee. No matter what team TO signs with, or whether he signs at all, I promise, I will get my pop corn ready. Pop corn is delicious and is a great snack with football and a cold one.