Options for Terell Owens: Texans, Broncos or Bengals

Although in the past, Terrell Owens has advised fans to “getcho popcorn ready,” it seems that owners and coaches alike aren’t quite that hungry for his presence on the field nowadays. After last year’s stint with the Buffalo Bills in which Owens amassed a meager 55 receptions for 829 yards and only 5 touchdowns, not many teams are clamoring for the loud mouthed 36-year old to join their receiving corps. 

Don’t try telling that to T.O.’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, though. Rosnehaus reportedly told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he was “very confident” that Owens will be signed to a new team within the next few weeks. However, this isn’t saying much coming from the ever-confident Rosenhaus, who has over 100 active negotiated NFL contracts. Hell, he even negotiated the price of his lunch on a SportsCenter commercial that aired on ESPN. 

However, convincing a cafeteria worker vs. the likes of Bob McNair and Bud Adams is a completely different animal. Here are some teams that could be interested in T.O., who is now self-proclaimed “patient” and still in great shape:

1. Houston Texans.  While he would have to take a backseat to the number 1 receiver, Andre Johnson (something that would not bode well with the ego we’ve all grown accustomed to T.O. brandishing), Houston could use Owens in the number 2 spot for shorter routes and checkdown plays on which Johnson is doubled deep. QB Matt Schaub led the league with 4770 passing yards last year, and could use another big time target. The Texans had their first winning season in 2009, and though they narrowly missed making the playoffs, perhaps T.O.’s desire to win can help put them over the edge. However, his infamous reputation as a “locker room cancer” could set Houston back.
2. Cincinnati Bengals.  “League clown” Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (at least according to Ochocinco’s Twitter page) have become very close friends this past offseason.  Both are filming television shows for VH1, both have been attending the same parties and traveling in similar circles of friends, and both are loud, obnoxious, and extremely athletically gifted.  While these are in no way, shape, or form reasons to pay someone millions of dollars to join your NFL organization, you can’t help but hope that the off-field chemistry between these two guys could translate into a spectacular tandem of receivers on the field. Again, though, their locker room antics could ruin whatever chemistry the rest of the team may have at this point.
3. Tennessee Titans. Nate Washington, Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage. The top three receivers for the Titans at this point are virtually unknowns unless you play in a 12-team fantasy league. Also, rumors had it that Tennessee was interested in signing Matt Jones – not the most stable-minded player available. This is an upside for Owens.
4. Denver Broncos. When one door closes, another door opens. They just unloaded Mini-T.O. (Brandon Marshall) so why not pick up the real deal? With the gamble McDaniels and the Broncos organization took drafting college great but possible NFL bust Tebow in the first round, there’s no reason they can’t gamble on the guy he could throw to. Additionally, although he hasn’t gotten along with quarterbacks in the past, maybe the older, dare I say more mature and humbled, Owens could provide the rookie Tebow with wisdom and advice?  Or perhaps in this case, it would be the other way around.
5. Washington Redskins. Terrell Owens teaming up with the quarterback he once vehemently feuded with on the sidelines during a game, calling him out and saying that Brett Favre would be better in his position, would be interesting. Playing in the same division with two previous teams he had “strained” relationships would also be interesting. Living and working in the nation’s capital with plenty of media abound at all times would be far too interesting.  Nonetheless, the Redskins could use a talented receiver opposite Santana Moss, and T.O. could be the best available. 

There could be more teams pondering the acquisition of Terrell Owens, and there could be less. Regardless, it is more than likely that Rosenhaus will have his client on one of 32 rosters within the next few weeks. If only he could convince owners that they should be as “very confident” as he is in Terrell Owens, it could be sooner than later.

This article originally appeared on the Sports Agent Blog.