Terrell Owens signs 1 year deal With Buffalo Bills

[mambokings 0]

I feel sorry for Owens, now that I think about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than aware he brought this on himself, but to think the Bills were the only team he really had a chance of signing with? That's sad. When you think of all the teams out there, there are so many superior teams which could use his talent, for exactly the same one-year deal, but they all passed. The fact he signed so quickly demonstrates there was zero interest in his services. That's gotta hurt for a player who's put up the kinds of numbers he has in his career.

[yostevo 0]

Square peg, round hole.

 

Buffalo is way too conservative for the circus to come to town. This was a money grab on both ends.

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

I feel sorry for Owens, now that I think about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than aware he brought this on himself, but to think the Bills were the only team he really had a chance of signing with? That's sad. When you think of all the teams out there, there are so many superior teams which could use his talent, for exactly the same one-year deal, but they all passed. The fact he signed so quickly demonstrates there was zero interest in his services. That's gotta hurt for a player who's put up the kinds of numbers he has in his career.

 

This is what I was thinking too.

 

Buffalo's offence the last couple of years has had a notoriously conservative passing game. The talk always seems to be that Edwards doesn't have the arm strength, so a lot of the Bills' passes seem not to be downfield at all - instead, it's a lot of the dink and dunk stuff. In looking at the stats last year, only Lee Evans averaged more than 10.7 yards per catch (unless you count the players with two catches). Will the Bills redesign their whole playbook to accomodate this new weapon?

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

Square peg, round hole.

 

Buffalo is way too conservative for the circus to come to town. This was a money grab on both ends.

 

I'm looking forward to Ed Kilgore and the boys interviewing him every week - that should be hilarious.

[listen2me 23 1,874]

As a guys who lives here and follows the Bills, I am in shock. TO and Bills doesn't sound right. Now it just gives the loyal fans of Buffalo a reason, to say "this is our year".

 

Good move in the sense of Buffalo getting some attention and excitment.

 

Bad move in a football sense.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

I hate Owens and would never want him on my team, but I applaud the Bills for making a very, very ballsy move.

 

Going into 2009 They were a marginal playoff team at best, so a chemistry assassin like TO isn't as big of a deal. Suddenly having a pair of big time WRs should really show the team what they have with Edwards.

 

Then there is always the fact that TO could play with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove everybody wrong....if he toes the line and has a big year he could earn himself one final nice contract.

 

He will have 4 games within his division where he should be dying to dominate against the Pats (Moss and being an elite NFL team) and The Dolphins (Parcells). Actually, you can throw in the road game against the Jets, playing against a high-profile, Big Apple team.

 

What they stand to gain is far greater then what they could lose with this deal.

[9-Route 0]

1] great overall move by the bills. a talented team capable of winning some games [5-1 early 2008?] but not yet ready to consistently win all season long. this is still a medium team needing good players, and adding a top playmaker through FA helps this kind of team.

 

2] nice[?] situation in buffalo: as mcgahee and wiley and most others have said---nothing to do there, no media, no circus, just work.

 

3] smart move by rosenhaus: the media and experts bantering about whether TO would have a market, and whether that market would exist immediately or after an extended period, he makes this move within 70hours of the release. it gives plausible credibility to his stance that there indeed was instant market for TO; most teams will not offer up whether they really did contact drew about a deal or not in efforts to save drama for their teams [wr1 grumblings]; it takes away the can of worms that would have opened had they waited for the right/better team that would have taken time to make a decision, all the while as time passes the analysts continue to pour on "i told you so" as the evidence that there has not yet been a signing. well planned preemptive move by rosenhaus.

 

4] it is a 1yr deal for an offense that needs help, and a team in a division not as scary as it once was [miami resurgent, pats questionable on health of brady, jets in qb and coach transition].

 

5] outlook: 1st yr in philly was 77-1200-14; 3-yr avg in dallas ~1200-13; whenever he arrives, he does so with a bang, so not unrealistic to maintain high expectations.

[listen2me 23 1,874]

One other thing that is both a positive and a negative is Trent Edwards.

 

With this move they can see what kind of QB they have. In his 3rd year he should be able to do well with the cast he has. They can alos see what kind of a leader he is if things go bad with TO.

 

On the other side, I am not sure Edwards will be able to get TO the ball like he wants. Lets face it....Edwards as of now is the 4th best QB TO will have played with.

[R8RMick 242]

This is what I was thinking too.

 

Buffalo's offence the last couple of years has had a notoriously conservative passing game. The talk always seems to be that Edwards doesn't have the arm strength, so a lot of the Bills' passes seem not to be downfield at all - instead, it's a lot of the dink and dunk stuff. In looking at the stats last year, only Lee Evans averaged more than 10.7 yards per catch (unless you count the players with two catches). Will the Bills redesign their whole playbook to accomodate this new weapon?

 

 

This really has less to do with the kid's arm strength than the fact that he's terrified back there trying to figure out NFL defenses... Young QB's check down when they are clueless about what's happening on the other sideof the ball. They check down quickly, going through first and second reads very, very fast. They're less apt to let a route develop and gun the ball into a situation where the WR can make a play. See Kurt Warner.

 

The surprising thing here is that Owens signed a one-year deal in Buffalo. When I first read the headline I figured it made perfect sense. He signs up there, gets his career ending payday, there'll be practically no pressure on him (not playing for a new deal, Buffalo's passing game sucks), and everything positive that happens is gravy. But this one-year deal is really strange. I can't believe there was zero interest in him beyond that. And I really can see where numerous teams will regret not signing him, epecially the Cowboys. Dallas will miss him tremendously. What a blunder.

 

I don't see this affecting my main man Lee Evans much, unless of course Trent Edwards decides to become an NFL QB. As for T.O., well... the man scored TD's. He put pressure on defenses. He doesn't get hurt. He was a top tier WR last season.

 

Again, J Jo shows his brilliance.

[t.j 35]

The surprising thing here is that Owens signed a one-year deal in Buffalo. When I first read the headline I figured it made perfect sense. He signs up there, gets his career ending payday, there'll be practically no pressure on him (not playing for a new deal, Buffalo's passing game sucks), and everything positive that happens is gravy. But this one-year deal is really strange. I can't believe there was zero interest in him beyond that.

 

I am convinced that, barring a great long-term deal now, Rosenhaus wanted a 1-year deal for TO, in hopes of cashing in on an uncapped season next year. Owens' stock is low now but he has a chance to raise it a lot this season: A leopard can't change his stripes, but this particular leopard has always looked better in his first season with a team.

[Phurfur 70]

I am convinced that, barring a great long-term deal now, Rosenhaus wanted a 1-year deal for TO, in hopes of cashing in on an uncapped season next year. Owens' stock is low now but he has a chance to raise it a lot this season: A leopard can't change his stripes, but this particular leopard has always looked better in his first season with a team.

 

The guy is 35 years old, so playing for next year is stupid. TO is on his way out and this is the best they could do. Does anyone want him as their #1 FF WR? I don't!

[t.j 35]

The guy is 35 years old, so playing for next year is stupid. TO is on his way out and this is the best they could do. Does anyone want him as their #1 FF WR? I don't!

 

If he has a great year, which if you're TO and Drew you certainly believe he is going to, he could command a $10M salary on the open market in an uncapped year. And, he gets a higher salary this year by signing a one-year deal than he would get if he signed a multi-year deal. 35 is definitely getting up there, it's a gamble. But if Jimmy Smith could go for 1000 and 6 at age 36, then Owens can probably produce enough at 35 to convince some people that he's still got it. The reason I think it's a good gamble is that the alternative (take the best multi-year deal that he could get now) was pretty low-reward due to his low current stock.

 

As for whether anyone wants him on their fantasy team, I don't think the Bills or Rosenhaus or Owens care.

[Phurfur 70]

If he has a great year, which if you're TO and Drew you certainly believe he is going to, he could command a $10M salary on the open market in an uncapped year. And, he gets a higher salary this year by signing a one-year deal than he would get if he signed a multi-year deal. 35 is definitely getting up there, it's a gamble. But if Jimmy Smith could go for 1000 and 6 at age 36, then Owens can probably produce enough at 35 to convince some people that he's still got it. The reason I think it's a good gamble is that the alternative (take the best multi-year deal that he could get now) was pretty low-reward due to his low current stock.

 

As for whether anyone wants him on their fantasy team, I don't think the Bills or Rosenhaus or Owens care.

 

Fair enough. I look at this move as a desperate coach teaming up with a desperate player. No one will pay TO $10 million next year whether there is a cap or not. 1000 and 6 is not going to get you $10 million.

 

I do love the way ESPN has followed him to Buffalo. These guys really need a new act. TO is done!

[Kilroy 0]

you mean watch him sulk and whine and scream he isnt getting the ball enough

 

Well, you know - "T.O." gets upset when teams don't make good use of his talent.

 

I get that he's a freak. I just don't care. He's got unreal talent and has proven it time and time again throughout his career.

 

For as easy as it is to point out the fact the three teams he's played for have gotten rid of him - can you honestly say he didn't make those teams better during the time he was there? Has he not made every QB he's played for look like a superstar?

[Phurfur 70]

Well, you know - "T.O." gets upset when teams don't make good use of his talent.

 

I get that he's a freak. I just don't care. He's got unreal talent and has proven it time and time again throughout his career.

 

For as easy as it is to point out the fact the three teams he's played for have gotten rid of him - can you honestly say he didn't make those teams better during the time he was there? Has he not made every QB he's played for look like a superstar?

 

He may have helped teams win a game or two but in the end "TO is not a winner". His record proves this. I also have no doubt that Dallas will be a better team this year.

[Kilroy 0]

He may have helped teams win a game or two but in the end "TO is not a winner". His record proves this. I also have no doubt that Dallas will be a better team this year.

 

What is it that makes him "not a winner" then? He's accomplished far more at his profession than even some of the greastest of all time.

 

If you are going to say it's because he hasn't won a Super Bowl, then fair enough. He sure had a lot to do with getting the Eagles past that NFC Championship hump though. He then returned for the Super Bowl when most thought there was little chance he could play to the point of being effective (or even at all) and had a great game for Philadelphia.

 

He also gives you 100% on every single play and expects the same from everyone around him. Can't fault a guy for that. You know he keeps himself in top physical condition too.

 

I'll also be very interested in seeing how the Cowboys do now without him. They should have a strong rushing game. I will like to see how that passing game goes though. They just gonna feed it to Witten over and over and run a lot, or will it actually open up more and get Roy Williams involved?

 

Also have to wonder if Wade Phillips is capable of coaching that team through the playoffs.

[t.j 35]

What is it that makes him "not a winner" then? He's accomplished far more at his profession than even some of the greastest of all time.

 

If you are going to say it's because he hasn't won a Super Bowl, then fair enough. He sure had a lot to do with getting the Eagles past that NFC Championship hump though.

 

How so? Sure, they got home field advantage in 2004 with him on the team. But they also played only home games in the playoffs in 2002 and 2003 as well. I don't see how he helped them get past the NFC Championship hump at all.

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

He sure had a lot to do with getting the Eagles past that NFC Championship hump though. He then returned for the Super Bowl when most thought there was little chance he could play to the point of being effective (or even at all) and had a great game for Philadelphia.

 

They were a perennially playoff team without TO. They won the NFC championship game without TO. TO didnt help them get to the superbowl.

 

 

edit, damn TJ beat me.

[Kilroy 0]

Living in the Philadelphia area you get to hear a lot from the former players - either on the radio, TV, or in the newspapers. There are quite of few of them that have stated that what Terrell Owens brought to the team that year made them better. They've actually said it gave them that swagger they needed. That they felt like they were unstoppable.

 

I wouldn't go and say that if it weren't for the fact his former teammates on the Eagles have come out and said it. I've heard it more than once from more than just a couple players. They wouldn't say things like that about Owens if they didn't feel it was true.

 

A lot of his teammates with the Eagles wanted that situation to work out. And while they know TO pushed the limits, not all of them were impressed with the way McNabb handled things either.

[Phurfur 70]

What is it that makes him "not a winner" then? He's accomplished far more at his profession than even some of the greastest of all time.

 

If you are going to say it's because he hasn't won a Super Bowl, then fair enough. He sure had a lot to do with getting the Eagles past that NFC Championship hump though. He then returned for the Super Bowl when most thought there was little chance he could play to the point of being effective (or even at all) and had a great game for Philadelphia.

 

TO has not won a playoff game since Jan. 5th 2003.

 

 

He also gives you 100% on every single play and expects the same from everyone around him. Can't fault a guy for that. You know he keeps himself in top physical condition too.

 

 

I didn't see that in Dallas last year; they were known as the most under achieving team in the league.

 

 

 

I'll also be very interested in seeing how the Cowboys do now without him. They should have a strong rushing game. I will like to see how that passing game goes though. They just gonna feed it to Witten over and over and run a lot, or will it actually open up more and get Roy Williams involved?

 

Also have to wonder if Wade Phillips is capable of coaching that team through the playoffs.

 

I have no doubt Dallas will be a better team next year. Their O-line is built for the run game and they have 3 good RBs so why shouldn't they run. They should not have been a pass first team but TO would not allow that.

[t.j 35]

Living in the Philadelphia area you get to hear a lot from the former players - either on the radio, TV, or in the newspapers. There are quite of few of them that have stated that what Terrell Owens brought to the team that year made them better. They've actually said it gave them that swagger they needed. That they felt like they were unstoppable.

 

I wouldn't go and say that if it weren't for the fact his former teammates on the Eagles have come out and said it. I've heard it more than once from more than just a couple players. They wouldn't say things like that about Owens if they didn't feel it was true.

 

A lot of his teammates with the Eagles wanted that situation to work out. And while they know TO pushed the limits, not all of them were impressed with the way McNabb handled things either.

 

The division of Philadelphia fans and players as far as being pro-TO/anti-TO and pro-McNabb/anti-McNabb is well documented. I know that some of the players felt the way you described, but I don't buy it that TO's inspiration legitimately was the boost that got them over the hump. Just because some of the players felt that way doesn't make it so.

I think if there was any difference between 2004 vs 2002/2003 for the Eagles in the playoffs, it wasn't swagger, it was the strength of their competition. The '04 Vikings and '04 Falcons both barely scored more points than they allowed in the regular season. The second-place team in the NFC only went 11-5 that year. I think the teams they lost to in '02 (Tampa) and '03 (Carolina) and also the team they beat in '03 (Green Bay) were far tougher opponents than the playoff teams they beat in '04. To say TO "had a lot to do" with getting them to the '04 Super Bowl is silly, IMO.

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

The '04 Vikings and '04 Falcons both barely scored more points than they allowed in the regular season. The second-place team in the NFC only went 11-5 that year. I think the teams they lost to in '02 (Tampa) and '03 (Carolina) and also the team they beat in '03 (Green Bay) were far tougher opponents than the teams they beat to go to the Super Bowl in '04. To give TO significant credit for helping them get to the '04 Super Bowl is silly, IMO.

 

TO didnt play in the playoffs, besides the superbowl. TO didnt help the eagles in the slightest.

[Gepetto 1,373]

The whole not winning a playoff game since when argument is so focking stupid.

[Phurfur 70]

The whole not winning a playoff game since when argument is so focking stupid.

 

 

Why, since he is proclaimed to be one of the most dominate WR ever he better win a few playoff games. Otherwise, how dominate is he?

 

He was playing on some pretty good teams too so there is on excuse for that.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

The whole not winning a playoff game since when argument is so focking stupid.

 

How so? What did he do in his 2 playoff games with Dallas? 6 catches for 75 yards total. You can't blame those losses on him soley, but he deserves a piece of the pie along with Romo, Wade, Garrett, etc.

 

He turned in a gutsy performance during the SB, and used it as a platform to whine about everybody being against him. Then He threw his QB under the bus. McNabb did choke, but you dont butcher a teammate like that.

 

The last time he's been a major factor in the playffs was that comeback against the Giants. He had a great game, but so did the guy that quacks like a duck. I also recall the duck throwing blocks for Owens on end arounds during the regular season.

 

I forgot where I was going with this. Anyways, the Cowboys are much better off without him. If they had a decent coaching staff, I'd have them as the favorite in the NFC this upcoming season. But I guess Jerry Jones is just taking baby steps.

 

We'll see what happens in Buffaloe, I think it was a worthwhile risk for them.

[enis_44 0]

I didn't see that in Dallas last year; they were known as the most under achieving team in the league.

Don't forget that Wade Phillips is a complete joke of a head coach. I didn't know it was TO's job to regulate the effort of the entire team. He can give his all every play and the team can still underachieve as a whole. Just sayin.

 

I believe TO is one of those guys who needs a strong leader keeping him in check. If you have a Bellicheat running the show, you can take that chance. If you're Marriuci, Reed, or Wade, then you're in trouble. To the point, I bet Jaron is in trouble and he knows it.