Cowboys Release TO (2 Viewers)

[whole-show]

There's a story about a young Native American boy who goes out on a soul quest up a mountain. He climbs to the top and upon arriving at the top he sees a rattlesnake who calls out to him and implores him to take him to the bottom of the mountain so he doesn't freeze.

The boy says no but the snake persists, assuring him he won't bite him. The boy is eventually prevailed upon.

After reaching the bottom with the snake wrapped in his arms he sets it down only to be bitten.

He asks, "Why did you bite me? You swore to me that you wouldn't."

The snake replied, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."

Who wants TO next???

(Vikes)

 

[ScottyFargo]

There's a story about a young Native American boy who goes out on a soul quest up a mountain. He climbs to the top and upon arriving at the top he sees a rattlesnake who calls out to him and implores him to take him to the bottom of the mountain so he doesn't freeze.

The boy says no but the snake persists, assuring him he won't bite him. The boy is eventually prevailed upon.

After reaching the bottom with the snake wrapped in his arms he sets it down only to be bitten.

He asks, "Why did you bite me? You swore to me that you wouldn't."

The snake replied, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."

Who wants TO next???

(Vikes)

Like Donny-brook said, I doubt it. I can just imagine the smirk on Childress' face when a reporter asks him about it and the snide comment he'll have at the ready.

 

[sjacksonfan]

Spot open on the Jets...what about Cinci?

 

[EBF]

Spot open on the Jets...what about Cinci?

I think the planet would explode if you tried to fit TO and Chad's egos into one locker room.

 

[Donnybrook]

My guess that he will end up playing for the Pats on a one year contract. How does Brady to Moss, Owens and Welker sound to fantasy owners?

If he goes to NE I am franchising Brady.

I know things worked out with Randy Moss, but TO is a different type of problem.A selfish player Belichick won't deal with, imo.

He dealt with Corey Dillion, Donte Stallworth, Randy Moss so far. TO needs to get a ring before retirement to gain entry in to the HOF and thus will sign for less than expected (probably still has his Cowboy signing bonus anyway). Hope it doesn't happen but right or wrong that is my guess.

 

[Mcnabbfan]

My guess that he will end up playing for the Pats on a one year contract. How does Brady to Moss, Owens and Welker sound to fantasy owners?

After giving it some thought, This is the only team in the NFL that has the front office and head coach capable of dealing with a headcase like TO. As much as I would hate to see it, I agree with TO signing a one year deal with NE with a very modest one year deal full of incentives.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

My guess that he will end up playing for the Pats on a one year contract. How does Brady to Moss, Owens and Welker sound to fantasy owners?

If he goes to NE I am franchising Brady.

I know things worked out with Randy Moss, but TO is a different type of problem.A selfish player Belichick won't deal with, imo.

He dealt with Corey Dillion, Donte Stallworth, Randy Moss so far. TO needs to get a ring before retirement to gain entry in to the HOF and thus will sign for less than expected (probably still has his Cowboy signing bonus anyway). Hope it doesn't happen but right or wrong that is my guess.

TO is a whole nother animal.("nother" actually sounds better than it looks in type.)

 

[sparkky]

TO could sure make the Chargers a dangerous team. I doubt that Norv could handle him but Rivers may be one of the few qb's that could get right back in his face.

If Meriman, LT and Gates would come back healthy they would be a force to deal with I think.

 

[tuttiface]

As a Miles Austin owner I say

 

[Ghost Rider]

Unless Owens somehow latches on to a team that ends up winning it all (although what contending team in their right mind would sign this cancer?), he can kiss the Hall of Fame goodbye. I don't care how good his numbers are...voters are not going to let a guy in who wore out his welcome with three different teams to the point where they all either released or traded him.

 

[nittanylion]

Couple of other options, straight out of the NFC South:

New Orleans Saints: Brees, playing opposite Colston on a high-powered attack that's going to be engaged in shoot-outs on a Week-to-Week basis. Certainly fills the Lance Moore role, and then some, and when they go 4-wide with Bush coming out of the backfield...interesting to think about how he and Shockey could co-exist though, but I suppose it's not entirely out of the question Shockey is shown the door, the way things are going in this offseason. Owens would have the potential to put up absolutely sick #'s as part of another Brees run at Marino's single-season passing mark.

Carolina Panthers: Two-Headed Monster power rushing attack forcing Teams to stack the box, with turbo-burner Steve Smith taking secondaries deep, leaving Owens free to catch the ball in space and rack up YAC in single coverage. You'd really have to pick your poison when trying to defend that - if we thought Muhammed was the perfect complement to Smith, well T.O. is theoretically the same guy, only infinitely more so.

Buffalo brought in Coles for a look-see. Doesn't look like James Hardy is ready quite yet, and Evans/Owens would be a very interesting tandem to see playing off each other with Josh Reed in the slot, and Fred Jackson coming out of the backfield. Don't know if Owens would be hip to the Buffalo scene or the weather, though.

He's not going to subjugate his ego, so I guess we can rule out the Steelers, but he'd make a nice complimentary weapon for Big Ben to play off Holmes streaking down the field.

I'd like to see any of those scenarios play out...

 

[Bob Magaw]

Three words - New. York. Giants.1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.2. TO will want to play for a contender.3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL. It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

that is some compelling logic, & i agree with all the points... the one you left out is coughlin is a stern disciplinarian & TO is a loose cannon, so in that respect, not exactly a match made in heaven... also, do they have the cap room, after signing canty & boley... wherever he goes it will by definition almost have to be incentive-laden... maybe he will be OK with that, since he is a confident (bordering on cocky) dude...* coughlin came aboard in 2004 & plaxico a year later... & though i think he had a rep for being flaky with PIT, not sure if he was as known AT THAT TIME for being the malcontent & troublemaker he has evolved into? also, not sure that was coughlin's call in 2005 (was accorsi there than, & did he call the shots in the war room... not sure how much input, if any, coughlin had then... giants homers, chime in please?)...i really liked your point 3 above, not sure if EBF was the first to mention WAS... it would also of course satisfy the criteria of sticking it to PHI & DAL twice a year EACH... though they just signed haynesworth to one of the biggest contracts in league history...

 

[Mikey16x]

I really have no idea why everybody keeps mentioning the Giants as a Giants fan/Homer this will never happen. Reece builds the team on teamwork and team chemistry, something this guy obviously has none of. This is the furthest thing from what will happen, we'd trade for a guy like Boldin who is the prototypical Reece player but we'd never sign this crazy fool. The onnnlllyyyy way he'd be a New York Giant is if he really wants to come aboard and we get him for absolute peanuts, so we'd be able to cut him if he acts up, other then that.. the Giants don't even make this mad man an offer.

 

[Bob Magaw]

There's a story about a young Native American boy who goes out on a soul quest up a mountain. He climbs to the top and upon arriving at the top he sees a rattlesnake who calls out to him and implores him to take him to the bottom of the mountain so he doesn't freeze.

The boy says no but the snake persists, assuring him he won't bite him. The boy is eventually prevailed upon.

After reaching the bottom with the snake wrapped in his arms he sets it down only to be bitten.

He asks, "Why did you bite me? You swore to me that you wouldn't."

The snake replied, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."

Who wants TO next???

people with snake bite-proof leisure wear?

 

[dutch]

Unless Owens somehow latches on to a team that ends up winning it all (although what contending team in their right mind would sign this cancer?), he can kiss the Hall of Fame goodbye. I don't care how good his numbers are...voters are not going to let a guy in who wore out his welcome with three different teams to the point where they all either released or traded him.

I'm not a hof voter but if I were I'd vote TO in without blinking an eyelash. He didn't cheat, and he didn't gamble, and he didn't do anything to make us as fans question the legitimacy of his numbers. Butkus and Sayers are the first to come to mind as examples of the PFHOF allowing for individual accomplishment to compensate for lackluster team achievement when taking into consideration the merits of a players hof credentials. TO's numbers are soo outstanding that disregarding them so as not to allow him entrance as a member because he may have had a detrimental effect on his teams performance marks the institution as illegitimate based on it's mission and historical record. I can't picture a scenario where TO is not voted into the HOF on his first try.

 

[cstu]

Three words - New. York. Giants.1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.2. TO will want to play for a contender.3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL. It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

The Giants seem like the obvious pick. My long shot pick would be Indy.

 

[Mikey16x]

Actually, I can see Tampa make a run at him. They are like 60 Mill under the cap. T.O, Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton and Kellen Winslow wouldn't be a horrible receiving corps for a year or two. The only problem is they have a brand new coach and T.O will probably make mince meat out of him and his inexperience.

 

[dutch]

Just a thought...Indianappolis

 

[Bob Magaw]

is crayton or austin the WR2 now?

my guess is crayton intially, but austin could earn more & more time during the year...

crayton is a natural WR3 & great in the slot, & austin seems to have the talent to be a starting WR, at least eventually... i wonder if the skill sets of williams & austin are too similar? crayton may be a more reliable possession WR at this point, better at the intermediate & over the middle routes, slants, etc., & therefore a better complement to roy for now?

 

[puckalicious]

Citing "two sources," ESPN's Michael Smith reports that the Cowboys have released Terrell Owens.

If so, they're getting the move out of the way early. Owens' $3.1M roster bonus wasn't due until June. The move results in a small cap hit, but saves Jerry Jones $5.77 million in cash. Owens still has a lot left -- he averaged 18.9 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns in the Cowboys' last eight games. He'll likely draw interest from the Raiders. Teams needy at receiver but not expected to pursue him include Chicago, Philadelphia, and Miami.

O' Hell No

:( I couldn't think of a better way to completely destroy whatever chance that Russell has to become a good NFL quarterback than pairing him up against Terrell Owens.

Interesting, I see it completely opposite. TO may be Russell's only chance to become a good or even great NFL qb. As I showed in this post, TO's QBs have consistently scored over 20 pts/game. Without a weapon like TO, Russell will be average at best.Jeff's reasoning for TO becoming a Giant is also very compelling.

 

[massraider]

What a great story this guy is!

If you think everyone in the NFL wants no part of TO, you overestimate the NFL's willingness to see its soul for wins. I could see Tennessee, Tampa, Baltimore, Cincy, and New England discussing it. What they will all discuss is that TO is always good for a year. Then=doooooshbag.

I think TO is more interested in being "The Show" than he is in playing football, so I think he'd rather play somewhere where he'd make the biggest splash than make the most money. He's got a reality show to sell. So Oakland is out unless the market really is that bare for him. Plus, with Micheal Crabtree staring at them, I think Al Davis stays with his plan of youth, and keeping the homegrown. No one has really noticed, but the Raiders have done a complete 180 this offseason. They made no play for any vet WRs this spring. And no big ticket item. He loves Higgins and Shillens.

Thinking about that reality show, I wonder if we could actually see a player choose his team based on how it would play on TV. This could really be a remarkable situation.

I really do subscribe to the 'good for a year' theory. If he is on a decent team, he'll behave, and really help someone, for a year.

I really think the Texans should look into it. They don't really need him, I like Walter across from Johnson, and I think the Texans do too. I would sell it to TO as the chance to stay in Texas, and rub the Cowboys nose in it. Probably never happen. But Slaton, Andre Johnson, and TO makes that a very, very dangerous offense right now.

You know who else won't, but should? San Diego. They need to take their shot.

 

[encaitar]

If I'm a coach, I don't allow TO on my team unless I have a QB that has proven himself already and has a very strong personality. That said I think the only teams that should consider TO are Indy, NE, and NO. The reason is that their QBs would demand respect based on what they've already done and all three of those All-Pro QBs aren't the 'joke around and have fun" type of QBs that Romo and McNabb were. If TO started any of his BS, they'd let him have it and and wouldn't laugh it off.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

As a Giants fan, I would LOVE to see T.O. in town. As a football and media fan, we'd all have to root to see the carwreck that would be T.O. in the New York market.

Which is what makes me really glad that I have some of the best management in football to see me past this emotional reaction and to not wingnut react like fans. I don't expect him to be here and I expect it to be for the betterment of the team. If he were 2 years younger, I'd think about it.

And I say this actually sort of with the inclination in my heart that he'd be a model citizen if he came aboard. His legacy is going to be on the line and defined at his next stop and if Moss can, for the most part, turn his act around, a guy with T.O.'s desire certainly can. Lets not forget, Wade was pretty weak with dealing the T.O. issues. I don't think Coughlin would have that problem, he'd have the currency, cache and credibility and I think if T.O. joins big blue, he'll have to WANT to, because it would never be the top dollar amount. And that low cap number would effectively serve as a zero tolerance policy for him, making him readily cuttable.

If he's after cash, he'll be in Tampa.

 

[identikit]

What a great story this guy is!

If you think everyone in the NFL wants no part of TO, you overestimate the NFL's willingness to see its soul for wins. I could see Tennessee, Tampa, Baltimore, Cincy, and New England discussing it. What they will all discuss is that TO is always good for a year. Then=doooooshbag.

I think TO is more interested in being "The Show" than he is in playing football, so I think he'd rather play somewhere where he'd make the biggest splash than make the most money. He's got a reality show to sell. So Oakland is out unless the market really is that bare for him. Plus, with Micheal Crabtree staring at them, I think Al Davis stays with his plan of youth, and keeping the homegrown. No one has really noticed, but the Raiders have done a complete 180 this offseason. They made no play for any vet WRs this spring. And no big ticket item. He loves Higgins and Shillens.

Thinking about that reality show, I wonder if we could actually see a player choose his team based on how it would play on TV. This could really be a remarkable situation.

I really do subscribe to the 'good for a year' theory. If he is on a decent team, he'll behave, and really help someone, for a year.

I really think the Texans should look into it. They don't really need him, I like Walter across from Johnson, and I think the Texans do too. I would sell it to TO as the chance to stay in Texas, and rub the Cowboys nose in it. Probably never happen. But Slaton, Andre Johnson, and TO makes that a very, very dangerous offense right now.

You know who else won't, but should? San Diego. They need to take their shot.

I don't think playing in Texas in the other conference would be rubbing the Cowboys' nose in anything. Unless they meet in the Super Bowl (yeah right).

Now should the NYG (or the Skins to a lesser extent) somehow end up with TO, that would be some nose-rubbing.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Just a thought...Indianappolis

Indy's going to have to shuffle some things around as is to fit their rookies under the cap.

 

[FUBAR]

Best spot for him as far as need would be Tennessee or Oakland.I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders end up with him.

I think TO wants to win though and I think he's smart enough to know that it won't happen in Oakland. I look for him to go to a playoff team. It would also be a pretty typical Daniel Snyder move to overpay for a big name, so maybe Washington will be a factor.

You've also got to take the "cancer" aspect that TO brings.Dude has a lot of baggage, the very worst kind, imo.... total selfishness.Not many teams want to bring that noise into the locker room.

Exactly why Tennessee will not sign him. Giants make sense. Oakland is too perfect. I doubt Baltimore would want to after the previous debacle.

 

[Bri]

Do the Falcs have the cap $? I believe his home is in GA

 

[FUBAR]

Do the Falcs have the cap $? I believe his home is in GA

:( 2nd year QB, 2nd year coach, good WR group already in place. Not saying it can't happen, but it has more potential to explode than some others.

 

[Wu-banger]

If the Boys think that this will be a quick fix to their issues last year they are seriously underestimating the issues.

 

[Bri]

is crayton or austin the WR2 now?my guess is crayton intially, but austin could earn more & more time during the year... crayton is a natural WR3 & great in the slot, & austin seems to have the talent to be a starting WR, at least eventually... i wonder if the skill sets of williams & austin are too similar? crayton may be a more reliable possession WR at this point, better at the intermediate & over the middle routes, slants, etc., & therefore a better complement to roy for now?

I agree with Crayton in slot, Austin outside.I don't think either are to be relied upon. IMO if they're going to take a chance, do it with Austin. One option we almost never genuinely hear is them going with a two TE set yet Fasano looked good, now Bennett does; also Barber can pound it up the middle and would probably benefit from a 2 TE set as well. I'd rather they get into a "boring" offense than try and find a way to get the younger WRs to replace Owens.

 

[fatness]

Not only did Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the receiver consistently criticized offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources have said Garrett did not believe they could coexist.

:( But......but......he just wants to win!

 

[fatness]

He's not likely to return to San Francisco or Philadelphia, the other places he wore out his welcome.

:(

 

[roadkill1292]

Didn't T.O. insult Baltimore in some way the last time he was a FA? I wonder if Ray Ray would be in his corner again.

He used a technicality to void a trade with the Ravens, understandable to a degree with Baltimore's QB situation at the time. As one of the least glitzy franchises in the NFL, I doubt Baltimore would be a place that TO would consider. The franchise is probably over it as well, but I'd be really surprised if Ozzie and Harbaugh made a serious play for him.

 

[Bri]

Not only did Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the receiver consistently criticized offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources have said Garrett did not believe they could coexist.

But......but......he just wants to win!

and why would you gather up these guys to do this

Owens and receivers Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams had a meeting with Garrett later in the season reportedly because Owens was jealous of the relationship between Romo and tight end Jason Witten.

 

[cobalt_27]

If the Boys think that this will be a quick fix to their issues last year they are seriously underestimating the issues.

The Cowboys have a long road of chemotherapy ahead of them, no doubt. But, they had to, first, resect the tumor.Good riddance.

 

[obxlegends]

Three words - New. York. Giants.

1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.

2. TO will want to play for a contender.

3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.

4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.

5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL.

It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS!

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

Three words - New. York. Giants.

1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.

2. TO will want to play for a contender.

3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.

4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.

5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL.

It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS!

If only they could get a veteran gunslinger to get the ball to him.... HEYYYYYYYYYYYSeriously, that whole s-house could fly with that F word wearning number 4. But to bring T.O. to have kellen clemens slinging, no sense.

It is the kind of move Woody Johnson would like and I actually think it could work with Ryan, he seems like a personality that wouldn't be bogged down with his schtick, just win baby.

 

[yellowdog]

Good.

 

[fsufan]

Horrible move by the Cowboys

An excellent and necessary move by Dallas. I don't think you understand what you're talking about.

I know exactly what I'm talking about...he was in the bottom 5 of the Cowboys' problems.

i heard Mort say a while back that the Cowboys locker room was the most dis-functional locker room he has ever seen is his career covering the NFL.

 

[Liquid Tension]

What if he does a "I'm all about the game and offers to play in NE??" for the league minium? no I have not been hitting the pipe...

Honestly Roy Williams has talent he just is inconsistent. T.O. slacked off, but there are only a handful of teams that will not want him, a majority will at least toy with it. There are several teams he could add 3-5 wins per season.

Upgrading your QB with everything the same doesn't make that big a difference. NO way.

 

[Tyrion]

Horrible move by the Cowboys

An excellent and necessary move by Dallas. I don't think you understand what you're talking about.

I know exactly what I'm talking about...he was in the bottom 5 of the Cowboys' problems.

i heard Mort say a while back that the Cowboys locker room was the most dis-functional locker room he has ever seen is his career covering the NFL.

I heard Mort say that Matt Jones (WR for the Jags)was the most explosive player he had ever seen in the draft and that any team that passed on him in the first round would live to regret it. Let's just say that the man can be prone to exaggeration.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Honestly as a GMEN fan i would welcome Owens.He knows they are a great team without him and one infraction he will be cut.If he comes to NY he would be on best behavior

Giant fan who wants NO part of TO. In fact, I loved the ##### being on the hated Cowboys, the universe was right.

 

[obxlegends]

Three words - New. York. Giants.

1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.

2. TO will want to play for a contender.

3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.

4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.

5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL.

It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS!

If only they could get a veteran gunslinger to get the ball to him.... HEYYYYYYYYYYYSeriously, that whole s-house could fly with that F word wearning number 4. But to bring T.O. to have kellen clemens slinging, no sense.

It is the kind of move Woody Johnson would like and I actually think it could work with Ryan, he seems like a personality that wouldn't be bogged down with his schtick, just win baby.

To be clear, I'm not saying he will end up with the Jets. I'm just saying there are more New York options than the G-Men.I actually BELIEVE the Jags should be T.O.'s top priority.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I only read the last page, so apologies if this has been mentioned...but what about Minnesota? They just missed on TJ, and they are not that far away from being a serious contender. T.O./Berrian/Rice is a real good WR corps with a slinger at QB, an awesome backfield, and a solid D....

 

[JaxBill]

Three words - New. York. Giants.1. Plaxico is unlikely to escape legal / league issues.2. TO will want to play for a contender.3. TO will now have a chance to "stick it" to both Dallas and Philly twice a year for each.4. TO goes to an NFC team that is poised for a playoff run.5. New York City - media capital of the United States and the NFL. It makes too much sense, and look for Drew Rosenhaus to be talking with the Giants by Friday.

Two words - Tom CoughlinI can hear him cursing from here if it's announced the Giants picked up T.O.

 

[salmonstud]

Without T.O. in town stealing TD's....I think the gap between Witten & the other TE's will widen in 2009. Witten will have a monster year. He will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the T.O. departure.

 

[Bankerguy]

Wow. As a Cowboy homer, I am a little surprised. I thought this move was going to happen a while ago, then I was convinced he was going to stay. I'm neutral on the move. It will hurt the offense no question, but it should help take some distractions and built in excuses away from this club.

I am predicting TO to Sean Payton/Drew Bress and the Saints right now. TB/NYG/Minnesota other options.

To me this signifies a move to creating an identity on offense. This will mean a run first approach with calculated gambles thrown in here and there. For the Cowboys for fantasy purposes:

Romo- Slight downgrade

Roy-Slight Upgrade

All RB's-UPGRADE

Miles Austin-WR2- Will be overvalued (Watch)

Pat Crayton -WR3/slot Neutral

Witten-More TD's slight drop in catches/yards

Bennett-SLEEPER-I expect more 2 TE sets.

 

[burd]

is it possible that TO actually quits the game and walks into the sunset quietly? ... doubtful.

i think it goes against his instincts to just quit, but at this point in his career, I just don't see him joining ANOTHER franchise, learn their verbage, obey(or not) coach's rules, get along w/ team mates, etc.

unless the right situation comes up (Indy, NE, SD, NYG), he's not going to a Cincy or some other rebuilding team.

my guess is that he retires ...

 

[TheNext0]

If you really think TO has a chance of ending up in MIN...just remember that Childress was offensive coord. in Philly when TO was there...they didn't get along so well (to say the least).

 

[Londo]

Note to Dan Snyder: If the Caller ID says "D. Rosenhaus," do NOT pick up the damned phone.