Should the Falcons finally sign Terrell Owens?
Terrell Owens didn't have much of an impact in Buffalo last season. (Mike Groll/Associated Press)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Folks keep asking the question and now is the time to finally address it.
I’ve been getting tweets at AJCFalcons on twitter.com. (Come follow, we have to celebrate going over 1,600 followers!) Folks have been leaving comments on the blog, sending e-mails and my guys at the barbershop keep asking it, too.
Loading ...Some fans don’t think Michael Jenkins is a worthy No. 2 and are not sure that Harry Douglas will make it back from his knee injury. It’s hard to panic in May, but that’s what hardcore football fans do.
Last season, the Falcons got by with Marty Booker, a quiet professional who came to work and did his job, after Douglas went down.
I’ve gently tried to dissuade the masses from this line of questioning and by citing the headache factor.
The Falcons have clearly been dodging any potential headache players in the post Michael Vick-era in trying to build a championship team.
Each time T.O. has been on the market the Falcons have turned their nose up at the one-time Decatur resident.
Does Terrell Owens have any gas left in the tank? He'll turn 37 in December. (Nell Redmond/Associated Press)
In 1996, the Falcons selected defensive tackle Shannon Brown with the 84th pick in the third round and passed on Owens. He went five picks later to San Francisco. Brown never played a down in the league. (Tedy Bruschi was selected just two picks after Brown. He, of course, went on to help New England stack some Super Bowl rings.)
When Owens’ time was up in Philadelphia, the Falcons weren’t interested.
When Owens’ time was up in Dallas, the Falcons weren’t interested.
Now that he’s out on the streets again and presumably humbled, the Falcons – along with the rest of the league – don’t appear interested.
Even the Cleveland Browns have told him to take a hike.
Let’s look at this from both sides. I want to list some reasons why the Falcons should sign T.O. Then list some reasons why they should not.
Then I’ll turn the floor over to you all.
YES: THE FALCONS SHOULD SIGN T. O.
- The Falcons want to surround Matt Ryan with weapons.
- How potent would a four-receiver formation be with Roddy White and T.O. in the slot on one side and Tony Gonzalez in the slot and Michael Jenkins or Harry Douglas on the other side. Mike Mularkey could put
Michael Jenkins scoring against Texas. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
back on his “Inspector Gadget Hat” and scribble away.
- T.O. didn’t cause any problems in Buffalo. You know, maybe after all of these years in the league he’s no longer a quarterback killer. He will turn 37 in December.
- Veteran wide receiver coach Terry Robiskie and Gonzalez could keep Owens in line. Robiskie used to be a Raider, you know.
- T.O. has averaged 14.9 yards per reception over 15 years and can still get open. He needs just 49 yards to reach 15,000.
- T.O. would help the popcorn sales at the Georgia Dome and give the Falcons some “sizzle” and “star” power.
NO: THE FALCONS SHOULD NOT SIGN T.O.
- T. O. is washed up. There’s nothing left in the tank.
- T.O. has thrown his quarterback under the bus in San Francisco (Jeff Garcia), Philadelphia (Donovan McNabb) and Dallas (Tony Romo) and the Falcons can’t risk him turning on Matt
Will there be a McNabb and Owens reunion in Washington? (Associated Press)
Ryan.
- T.O. will be an unnecessary distraction, crying in press conferences and trying to bring attention to himself.
- T.O.’s had a nice run. Maybe he should just get on with his life’s work.
- T.O. is a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first team All-Pro, but hasn’t done it since 2007.
YOUR TURN . . .
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430 comments Add your comment
i can see Russia from my front door
May 18th, 2010
10:20 am
Terrell had 829 recieving yards last year,
playing with one of the worst QB’s in the NFL.
Roddy
May 18th, 2010
10:22 am
YES, —— sign him a.s.a.p.
George Bailey
May 18th, 2010
10:23 am
Hell No!
Ramstein Falcon
May 18th, 2010
10:25 am
I think they should look at trying to pry Patrick Crayton form Dallas instead…
Blue Fender
May 18th, 2010
10:27 am
DOL, are you giving credit or blame?
(Credit, I think. –dol)
john mickins
May 18th, 2010
10:27 am
really ledbetter? you’re really entertaining this idea? GTFOH!!!
Ted Striker
May 18th, 2010
10:29 am
I say sign him. As a practice player.
Ramblin Wrecker
May 18th, 2010
10:30 am
Why does the AJC even entertain these asinine ideas. No T.O.
He wasn’t worth it when he was good. He’s sure not worth it now that he’s declined.
ReddJonn68
May 18th, 2010
10:30 am
About time we have a little fun on the post. Why not sign him, I liken T.O. to someone being fired from 2 major corporate jobs. Not because of performance, but inability to cooperate with coworkers. I’ve always felt sorry for T.O. Granted he stuck his own feet (plural) in his mouth. His problem lies deeper than narcissism, he’s a child trapped in a man body. The fact he never grew up with any male figure, left him empty & bitter. With his grandmother dying early it left more scars, he is what todays athelete is becoming . Unteachable & unreachable. Unlucky for him all the hard work he did to improve his skills & body, it could not however improved his character. He is like so many men his age who have squandered to many chances in life & keep begging for that one last shot. Why not sign him too a 1 yr minimum contract with a release option, we can get some production at a spot that is needed. I’m willing to bet he talks less than a 7th rnd pick when it comes to interviews. Can you imagine a seson with no sound bites from T.O.? This pretty much would be the finale to a bizarre career. Or just maybe this young man can redeem his self-centered ways & help get ATL over the hump. Hey it never hurts to be an optimist, I mean it was Jerry’s fault in Dallas. He & several others would sell their soul for title, just keeping it real.
Eric Dye in Brazil
May 18th, 2010
10:30 am
I say YES in every regard – BRING T.O. to ATLANTA! The time is perfect for the Falcons, for T.O. and outside of winning…the Atlanta Falcons can use some PR like they used ot get from Prime Time!! BRING HIM TO ATOWN!!!! HURRY!
Mike
May 18th, 2010
10:30 am
I would sign him with a tight contract. If he disrespects his team mates in public, he will be fined. He disrespects the coaching staff in public, he’s benched. A couple of good comments on here today about T.O especially about his first year. He is always a good boy year one. But let’s be realistic, he is not getting younger and wants a ring. Atlanta wants a ring. He will be a distraction to our oponents defense with Gonzalez, White , we will be in good shape. Also, if the birds have a couple of bucks to spare, look at protecting Matt more. We will be in the playoffs this year Peter King a.k.a Norn from Cheers.
Samuel
May 18th, 2010
10:31 am
How about signing Patrick Crayton of the Dallas Cowboys. I think he can help the team and push Michael Jenkins for that second spot…………
bushwacker
May 18th, 2010
10:32 am
HELL NO!!
He drops more passes than he catches, plus we don’t need crybabies.
David
May 18th, 2010
10:33 am
T O: 55 catches 829 yards 5 touchdowns——- Jenkins 55 catches 635 yards 1 touchdown—–Brain 11 catches and hurt again………Eric Weems 6 catches 50 yards 2 touchdowns———Outside of Roddy what are we talking about here. I didnt know Jenkins was going into his 7th year. You add T O and you become a potant offense in a league where you never have to many weapons only to few.
Craig - The real Criag
May 18th, 2010
10:34 am
Crayton would be AWESOME!
Craig - The real Criag
May 18th, 2010
10:34 am
David
May 18th, 2010
10:33 am
T O: 55 catches 829 yards 5 touchdowns——- Jenkins 55 catches 635 yards 1 touchdown—–Brain 11 catches and hurt again………Eric Weems 6 catches 50 yards 2 touchdowns———Outside of Roddy what are we talking about here. I didnt know Jenkins was going into his 7th year. You add T O and you become a potant offense in a league where you never have to many weapons only to few.
Thank you David!
Matt A
May 18th, 2010
10:35 am
Risk outweighs reward 10 fold! NO CHANCE! Why risk dividing the team or having a locker room distraction for a number 3 WR?
David Granger
May 18th, 2010
10:37 am
You CAN’T be serious…what kinda dumbass are you? We’ve already had Michael Vick. Why don’t we sign Mike Tyson and Ryan Leaf while we’re at it?
C’mon, Orlando…how much sense does it take?
(Just asking the question Dave. — dol)
DC Dirty Bird
May 18th, 2010
10:40 am
I’m sick of you so called fans constantly playing the “character” card. It seems like ever free agent out there that doesn’t have imppecabble record is a cancer to the locker room and shouldn’t be signed. Guess what, great locker rooms don’t win Super Bowls! If this guy can help us win ball games, bring him in. I refuse to give weak minded quarterbacks like Garcia, McNabb, and Romo any credibility. Seriously, have you seen the choke jobs the last two have pulled in big games. Sign TO, put Harry on the PUP list until he’s ready and we’ve made a permanent decison on Owens.
Time
May 18th, 2010
10:40 am
Sure, sign him to a one year, incentive laden deal. If he comes in and performs and is a good team citizen then you’ve gotten better as a team. If he comes in and causes problems, just cut him. Simple.
vafalconfan
May 18th, 2010
10:41 am
Dimitroff is building a team. There is no TO in team. That is all.
ATLFALCON4life
May 18th, 2010
10:42 am
We should sign TO he is better than Jenkins and would add another red Zone weapon for Ryan. Place clause in his contract if he gets out of line release hime and make him pay back any money he signs for. White, Jenkins, Douglass, Tony G, and TO make for a strong set of WR’s. But we all know the Falcons wouldn’t make a move like this. Still a Fan for life
Kevin
May 18th, 2010
10:43 am
Yes. Yes and More Yes.
LanceAllworth
May 18th, 2010
10:44 am
David Granger: you have the idea. If we havent learned anything from the mike vick fiasco then yes, T.O. yes. And while were signing T.O, lets re-sign Mike Vick; sign Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, Dante Stallworth, Ray Carruth, Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Lawrence Taylor and Ben Rothlisburger.
ReddJonn68
May 18th, 2010
10:46 am
You have players on NFL rosters right now, who have done drugs, raped women, & actually took someone’s life while driving intoxicated. T.O. HAS NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW. You cannot tell me he is the only guy in the NFL with a big mouth. Here is the reality of matter. Do the Alanta Falcons need help WR yes or no ????
S
May 18th, 2010
10:46 am
They definitely could use a star player to keep the stands full, but, one who is grounded. When the Bulls were hot, people came to see MJ, not the rest of the team, yet, he wasn’t a “Me” player, it was all about the team. Even crazy Dennis did his job which is why they let him be nutty. T.O. may not be on that level, but, somebody out there is. They just need to find him and sign him…
Dawglasville
May 18th, 2010
10:47 am
No-no. No. No. No. No-no. No. Noboday can wreck a team like you do. Nobody needs the hype like you do. Nobody. Nobody.
Guess the tune.
Super Bowl Shuffle
May 18th, 2010
10:47 am
Ya play with fire, ya bound to get burned.Hell No, No T.O.! Hell No, No T.O.!
Falcons are not sqeaky clean
May 18th, 2010
10:47 am
We can get Jonathan Babineaux to mentor Terrell and keep him out of trouble.
boiler up
May 18th, 2010
10:48 am
dude.. are u that desperate to wrtie something to fill the paper today?? No way….
Time
May 18th, 2010
10:49 am
Character is so overrated in the NFL. Some of the best teams of all time have literally been loaded with guys you wouldn’t want your daughter dating. Guy above me posted about Lawrence Taylor. Perfect example. Bad character, but wins Super Bowls. Ray Lewis, bad guy (allegedly) but has been one of the best LB’s of all time. Michael Irvin, charachter flaws for sure, but who wouldn’t want Irvin lining up at WR?
Signing TO at this point is a low risk, potentially big reward move.
Al
May 18th, 2010
10:53 am
Yes. Maybe White and the other kids will learn how to go get the ball and stop being pushed around on the field. T O’s stats were down last year playing in a 80% run offense. The guy’s good and he knows it, something else the kids could learn, confidence.
geno
May 18th, 2010
10:53 am
“NO WAY”, BIG Distraction, BIG Ego, BIG Mouth,not to mention, he’s a crybaby, he drops way to many balls, and he’s at the end of his career. The last thing the FALCONS need is “T.O.” in the locker room with our young guy’s. Just say NO TO “T.O.”. “GO FALCONS”!!!
NATE
May 18th, 2010
10:54 am
How can I put this mildly? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This guy is a cancer ridden, ego driven, DIVA that is on his way out of the league. Why risk it? Why risk going back to the Alge Crumpler, Joe Horn, Mike Vick (everybody gonna always love Mike Vick, remember that one?) era? He’s a punk that is finally getting what he’s due, not a serious look from ANY team. And for the record, I am a BLACK MAN so don’t try and make my comments a race issue!!!
truth
May 18th, 2010
10:54 am
With the right foundation laid as to what will get T.O. benched or even dropped from the team. I’d tell him we want you here to help not to hinder. One bad episode and your gone with no questions asked.
dangerousdan88.5
May 18th, 2010
10:56 am
I just want a ring. Maybe we can put up with him if he can help and give us numbers.
Footballer
May 18th, 2010
10:58 am
Hell no. The Falcons have generally avoided the thug culture that comes with so many of today’s players. TO is nothing but trouble. Keep his sorry butt away from here! Blank is a class act and runs a tight ship. No place for a trouble maker on the team.
Footballer
May 18th, 2010
10:59 am
Amen, Nate. I agree!
FalconTransplant
May 18th, 2010
11:01 am
DOL
Why are you surprised that I dont want TO here
I voted no, too much of a diva
In my comment I said “This convo should be turned into if/who we should pick up at FA (other than TO)
Personally I gave TO the benifit after the 49ers and he lost me after the eagles.
I remember being there when Meangelo shut him down on MNF after the superbowl loss. I think that was the last time Hall was worth a S%#T
Dawglasville
May 18th, 2010
11:02 am
Does anyone remember him in McNabbs ear? Barking at a Hall Of Famer? Do we really want to see that on the sideline? We need Jesse Tuggles not team struggles.
Craig - The real Criag
May 18th, 2010
11:02 am
If we have the foundation then do the right thing and trade some draft picks to get a legitimate 1/2 WR, like Boldin, who we missed out on w/ no character issues, or someone like Andre Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Josh Cribbs or Robert Meachem.
Drew
May 18th, 2010
11:04 am
HELL NO!
poppafdw
May 18th, 2010
11:04 am
It won’t happen due to the falcons being just as much a redneck organization as the braves. You say he would hurt ryans carreer? What career? What has this guy done that vick or other qb’s have done, nothing!!!!!
Ryder
May 18th, 2010
11:05 am
Without question Atlanta should sign Owens. He brings the one trait that Atlanta is still lacking, championship swagger. Atlanta has great characters in Ryan, Gonzalez, and Turner, yet they need to evolve from contender to championship threat, especially with the Saints in their division.
JASon
May 18th, 2010
11:05 am
I hate it on internet surveys where they give your reason, as if you are incapable of thinking for yourself. And the reasons are usually stupid, I mean “Yes, you can never have too many good football players..No, he’s too much of a diva.” Was this written by a four year old? How is this for a reason: we are paying white 8 mil a year, now focus on the defense. That’s not a juicy enough story for you, I guess.
Laura
May 18th, 2010
11:07 am
T.O. has thrown his quarterback under the bus in San Francisco (Jeff Garcia), Philadelphia (Donovan McNabb) and Dallas (Tony Romo) ………..You can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen. TO and Ryan would be the bomb if Ryan can stand the heat.
Dawglasville
May 18th, 2010
11:07 am
Let’s be careful with the “thug” label. Owen is a diva like Farve. Vick was a thug before jail. So was Romanowski, Matt Jones…
chris
May 18th, 2010
11:08 am
Falcons don’t need him to sell tickets anymore, they have the interest of the fan base now and the fans can see this train moving in the right direction. It might give Matt Ryan another weapon but the downside risk is far to great to take a chance.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!
Give it a shot
May 18th, 2010
11:08 am
I believe Coach Smith can handle T.O. I also believe that at some point, T.O. will understand that his maturity level needs to increase. Why not sign him to a contract that is specifically worded to be conditional upon T.O’s acceptance of the fact that he must be a “team player” and act accordingly? If he can’t perform under those circumstances, cut him loose – no second or third chances.
Tater
May 18th, 2010
11:09 am
For that cheap of a price tag, sign him!!!
He was only a problem when he was the #1 WR (which he wasn’t in Buffalo) and his humbled demeanor now would make him fit in with the Falcons. And adding him as a complement to White would be amazing. Not only for his over the middle style that opens up Roddy, but run blocking and taking away the extra coverage on Tony.
This seems like a no-brainer for the amount of money you’re paying him.