What if the Philadelphia Eagles Brought Back WR Terrell Owens?

Before you continue to roll your eyes at this headline, at least hear me out for a second.

Terrell Owens (T.O.) is without a doubt one of the most polarizing and controversial players to ever step foot in the NFL arena, but he is also one of the best wide receivers of all time.

Owens became a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004 after a long, dragged-out contract dispute with the San Francisco 49ers which ended with the Birds getting T.O. in a trade.

Nobody can dispute Owens’ on-field production with the Eagles in 2004 as they made an impressive and inspirational run all the way to Super Bowl XXXIX. Unfortunately the Eagles lost to the New England Patriots in the big game, and this did not sit too well with Owens.

Owens began running his mouth about his team and coach, which included a memorable jab at Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, when Owens indicated that McNabb “got tired” in the Super Bowl. In 2005, after seven games riddled with sideline fights between T.O. and McNabb, and the wide receiver’s public criticism of the Eagles’ coaching staff and organization, the team suspended Owens for the remainder of the season. The Eagles eventually released Owens prior to the 2006 season, ending his measly two year stint.

So why in the world should the Eagles bring the pompous, arrogant character that is Terrell Owens back into Philly for a try-out?

Well, after a period of five years with three different teams (Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals), Owens has not played in the NFL for the past two seasons, which could possibly mean that his ego has been deflated a bit because he realizes teams aren’t willing to deal with his drama.

Obviously, I am not including Owens’ very brief 2012 training camp and pre-season with the Seattle Seahawks because he was axed before the regular season even began. Owens also played for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League (IFL) early in 2012.

I also believe that Chip Kelly and Michael Vick are the perfect head coach-quarterback combo to keep Owens’ hot-head persona in check, as they both have fiery personalities and will not put up with his antics.

So go for it, Eagles. Bring T.O. into Philly for a training camp try-out and see if he still has the speed and athleticism necessary to make a positive impact on the Birds’ very youthful receiving core.

 

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