Recently, free agent, and fresh ex-Bills WR Terrell Owens has gained more interest for his famed VH1 reality show (“The T.O. Show”) than from NFL teams looking to give him a job. Now I know what you’re thinking…Owens may be right for some NFL team, just not ours. Well, what exactly concerns you about T.O.? Let’s ask a series of pertinent questions:

Can he still play at a high level?
The answer to that is plainly “yes”. Let’s look at last year’s stint with the Buffalo Bills who sported the highly intimidating [not] combination of Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick as its starting QB’s. Owens caught 55 passes for 829 yards and scored 5 TD’s. He also ran the ball 6 times for 54 yards and 1 score. Among all NFL receivers, he was 33rd in total receptions (as good as Steve Breaston, Jeremy Maclin); 26th in receiving yards (better than Percy Harvin, Pierre Garcon); and tied for 28th in receiving TD’s (as good as Calvin Johnson, Anquan Boldin and better than Greg Jennings, Wes Welker). He also accounted for the longest TD reception of the year: 98 yards vs. the Jaguars. So, he also has maintained his signature big-play ability. All these stats are readily accessible at NFL.com.

Is he injury prone?
Absolutely not. Owens started and finished all 16 games he appeared in ’09 and has missed a total of 2 games in the last 4 seasons. He is unquestionably one of the most durable and well-conditioned athletes ever to play in the league. In an era where dependability and durability is at a premium with so many primadona athletes, he is a throwback you can count on.

Are there teams that could use him as a No. 2 receiver?
Definitely. How about these: The Dolphins opposite Marshall? The Pats opposite Moss (with Welker in slot)? The Ravens opposite Boldin? The Broncos – as their No. 1 (or at least opposite Royal)? The Chargers opposite Vincent Jackson? The Texans opposite Andre Johnson? The Titans opposite Britt? The Jags opposite Sims-Walker? The Raiders opposite anyone? The Redskins opposite Santana Moss? The Bears opposite Hester or as a No. 1? The Lions opposite Megatron? The Rams – as their clear No. 1 and opposite Avery? The 49ers opposite Crabtree? The Seahawks opposite Housh?

So why no takers?
The obvious reason is because he has been viewed by some as a disruptive force to team chemistry. Owens himself recently admitted that this perceived reason is the primary impediment to finding employment right now. His past reported disagreements with teammates such as Eagle’s QB Donavan McNabb, and the drama that erupted when he was a member of the Cowboys are well-chronicled. Perhaps it is simply the publicity that teams want to avoid and which follow T.O. wherever his initials take him. Maybe he just wants to get paid No. 1 money, when at age 36, second level pay is the best he can hope for.

My take is this: T.O. is still a force that can help a team who is serious about upgrading their offensive output. Of course the GM, coach, and team will deal with the hoopla that follows such a megastar. But in this age of tweets, re-negotiated contracts, reality shows, and me-me personas, shouldn’t that be par for the course? Doesn’t the upside justify the baggage, whether perceived or not? So here’s my question to the Dolphins’ President of Football Operations, Bill Parcells: Can you forgive past dealings with T.O. in Dallas and allow a once-in-a-decade chance to help this team now? I know you like Hartline, Camarillo and Best, but honestly, these are 3rd WR’s trying to fill a No. 2 hole opposite arguably the best WR in the game in Marshall (for years known as “Baby T.O.). Take a hint from the Heat’s Pat Riley: Dare to be great…again.
If you don’t believe me, see Yahoo! Sports piece on this very subject.

Update: Two days after first writing this blog, it was reported that Owens is in serious contract talks with both the Rams and the Bengals. Owens has reportedly been working out with Cincy QB Carson Palmer. Owens, Ocho and Bryant would indeed be a formidable trio if T.O. signs with Gals.

That’s all for now.

by: Eric Miller – Sports / Fantasy Football Contributor
Follow Eric Miller on Twitter @footballnutsy

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