Terrell Owens 'Very Close' to Deal with ? (1 Viewer)

[identikit]

Unemployed NFL star Terrell Owens is "very close" to signing a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals ... sources close to the deal tell TMZ.

http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/

Owens is famously tight with current Bengals star WR Chad Ochocinco and has expressed interest in the past about joining the squad.

http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/

 

[Weiner Dog]

Hmmm...if true, something must be wrong with Bryant's knee. If not, he's a very expensive #3 WR.

 

[ang12]

Well if it's on TMZ, it's gotta be true.

 

[identikit]

No Truth To TMZ's T.O./Bengals Story

TMZ.com's "sports department" reports that free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens is "very close" to signing with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the report is not true, as does Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com.

"In regards to the TMZ to Bengals report, two sources on both sides that I've talked to have said 'not true'", Reedy reports.

"A source tells PFT that reports of T.O being very close to signing with Bengals are untrue," Rosenthal adds.

http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2010/07/no...gals-story.html

 

[Chase Stuart]

Hmmm...if true, something must be wrong with Bryant's knee. If not, he's a very expensive #3 WR.

Much less a surprise to a pair of Lonhorns, Dr. Rockzo, Andre Caldwell and Dezmon Briscoe.

 

[identikit]

Source: Palmer, Owens working out

By Adam Schefter

ESPN

No deal for free-agent wide receiver Terrell Owens is imminent, but his connections to Cincinnati are increasing.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has been working out regularly with Owens in California and has been highly impressed, according to a team source. Palmer has gone so far as to tell Bengals officials what an asset Owens could be and how much talent he still has.

If nothing else, it has gotten Cincinnati thinking and talking about a receiver it hosted for a free-agent visit in March. Back then the Bengals opted for Antonio Bryant, but a team that has been short-handed at wide receiver knows it never hurts to stockpile talent at the position.

Owens also has another strong supporter in Chad Ochocinco, his close friend and reality TV colleague. The two have helped each other promote their respective shows on VH1.

Another Bengals source said Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, visited Cincinnati this week, though it is possible he was there for Ochocinco's football camp.

Earlier this week, Rosenhaus said he was "very confident" that Owens would have a new team "within the next few weeks."

"We will see as we get closer [to training camp]," a Bengals source said Friday night. "Nothing now that I know of."

 

[Carver]

When TMZ is breaking your sports related news.... That just MIGHT be a red flag for some front offices. Just saying...

I despise that man.

 

[Chaka]

What does the OCNN say?

 

[identikit]

per Chris Mortensen:

Filed to ESPN: Rams now in serious pursuit of Terrell Owens

 

[Arch Stanton]

When TMZ is breaking your sports related news.... That just MIGHT be a red flag for some front offices. Just saying...

I despise that man organization.

It makes me sick to my stomach that not only are he and his maggots rolling in money from TMZ but that it's being used by other news sources as a source for breaking news.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Owens is famously tight with current Bengals star WR Chad Ochocinco and has expressed interest in the past about joining the squad.

Owens is probably interested in any squad that would take him at this point.

 

[identikit]

Sources: Rams intensify Owens talks

By Chris Mortensen

ESPN

The St. Louis Rams have intensified discussions in hopes of signing free agent Terrell Owens, according to sources close to the player and team.

The Cincinnati Bengals, as reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, are also engaged in talks with Owens.

The Bengals signed free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant during the offseason but Bryant has struggled so far. According to a team source, that has motivated the Bengals to take another look at Owens.

One source said the Rams have gotten very aggressive in their pursuit of Owens and it's possible that Owens will sign with the Rams or Bengals within the next 48 to 72 hours.

Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst.

 

[GOroute]

TO went from someone with no team to 2 teams competing for him. ORRRR maybe Drew Rosenhoser has created a market? Maybe only 1 interested team. should be interesting to see how it unfolds.

 

[JetMaxx]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

 

[Sopranos25]

Hmmm...if true, something must be wrong with Bryant's knee. If not, he's a very expensive #3 WR.

Yep look here.. http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpag...NFL&id=2003On 1260 in indiana Chad ocho said he was happy to have "That Man" at training camp. Implying T O..

STL needs him alot more. They dont have a proven WR..

 

[C-Bound]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

Very

 

[zoonation]

Hmmm...if true, something must be wrong with Bryant's knee. If not, he's a very expensive #3 WR.

Bryant would be the #3. Why they signed him, I will never know.

 

[Cowtippers]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

While I agree that signing Owens would improve the Rams WR core, I fail to see why this would be a "nice move" for STL. Owens isn't the missing piece for a playoff push so why bother adding him? The Rams just drafted what they believe is their franchise QB so why subject the rookie to the mental and verbal assault that comes from having TO as a WR. Sure McNabb and Romo handled it "ok", but the last thing I'd want to subject Bradford to is the TO traveling circus even if it means he has less weapons to work with his rookie year. I just don't get it :X

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

While I agree that signing Owens would improve the Rams WR core, I fail to see why this would be a "nice move" for STL.

You have to do what you can to improve your team, you owe it to the guys on the field and the fans paying for tickets. Terell Owens gets the short end of the stick in a lot of situations in regards to being a poor teammate. There are a lot of guys around the league who want him as a teammate and some who have had him before like Donovan McNabb. You sign him because it allows your rookie QB to throw to a Hall of Fame WR instead of the crap they have over there right now.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

While I agree that signing Owens would improve the Rams WR core, I fail to see why this would be a "nice move" for STL.

You have to do what you can to improve your team, you owe it to the guys on the field and the fans paying for tickets. Terell Owens gets the short end of the stick in a lot of situations in regards to being a poor teammate. There are a lot of guys around the league who want him as a teammate and some who have had him before like Donovan McNabb. You sign him because it allows your rookie QB to throw to a Hall of Fame WR instead of the crap they have over there right now.

And it isn't like the NFC West is a powerhouse division either.

 

[JetMaxx]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

While I agree that signing Owens would improve the Rams WR core, I fail to see why this would be a "nice move" for STL.

You have to do what you can to improve your team, you owe it to the guys on the field and the fans paying for tickets. Terell Owens gets the short end of the stick in a lot of situations in regards to being a poor teammate. There are a lot of guys around the league who want him as a teammate and some who have had him before like Donovan McNabb. You sign him because it allows your rookie QB to throw to a Hall of Fame WR instead of the crap they have over there right now.

The entire post is , especially the bolded part in light of what I saw happen to McNabb as he developed. Why Reid waited until the Owens year to get him a serious weapon on the outside will always me. Owens makes Bradford, Avery, SJax and every other skill position player better with him on the field. As far as the teammate angle, I find it interesting and ironic that HC Spags and OC Shurmur were in Philly during Owens time there. If this comes to fruition, it will speak volumes about what they think about Owens as a teammate.

 

[Polar Dude]

As far as the teammate angle, I find it interesting and ironic that HC Spags and OC Shurmur were in Philly during Owens time there. If this comes to fruition, it will speak volumes about what they think about Owens as a teammate.

Doesn't it already say something that those guys are there and Owens hasn't gotten a sniff until this week? Owens has been available for several months now.

 

[Catbird]

Yeah, someone needs to come in and teach these kids how to care only about themselves, blame everything on teammates and take whole games off when you don't feel like making an effort.

 

[zoonation]

Yeah, someone needs to come in and teach these kids how to care only about themselves, blame everything on teammates and take whole games off when you don't feel like making an effort.

Evidence for this? T.O. has always had a rep for playing hard all the time.

 

[comet909]

FROM BENGALS.COM...

Bengals president Mike Brown confirmed his club's interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens Monday and indicated they had made an offer to the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

"It's up to him," Brown said at the Bengals training camp media luncheon. "We are talking to him. We have some interest."

Brown said he had a good experience with Owens during his visit in March.

"I found him polite, nothing that has been said about him," Brown said. "We like him as a player."

 

[Stinkin Ref]

any place he goes I will be taking another look at the QB there.....TO is an upgrade to almost any situation, but if Bryant is healthy and they have him, 85, and TO...plus Gresham.....that's pretty salty....Palmer gets a serious look

 

[Jeremy]

FROM BENGALS.COM...Bengals president Mike Brown confirmed his club's interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens Monday and indicated they had made an offer to the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver."It's up to him," Brown said at the Bengals training camp media luncheon. "We are talking to him. We have some interest."

In other words, they want him, but aren't willing to break the bank to get him. Sounds like it could be a choice between more money (Rams) or chance to play for a contender (Bengals).

 

[Jeremy]

The Rams are said to be no longer interested per Mort and Schefter on Twitter. That just leaves the Bengals.

 

[Insein]

Without getting into a debate about whether Owens has lost a step or not, if the Rams add him it could really help SJax. Feeley or Bradford to Owens, Avery, and Gibson/Robinson is an upgrade and could help to produce a serviceable offense. I think it would be a nice move for STL.

While I agree that signing Owens would improve the Rams WR core, I fail to see why this would be a "nice move" for STL. Owens isn't the missing piece for a playoff push so why bother adding him? The Rams just drafted what they believe is their franchise QB so why subject the rookie to the mental and verbal assault that comes from having TO as a WR. Sure McNabb and Romo handled it "ok", but the last thing I'd want to subject Bradford to is the TO traveling circus even if it means he has less weapons to work with his rookie year. I just don't get it

It will toughen Bradford up to what an NFL diva receiver is like. Once he's dealt with TO, it won't get any worse. Trial by fire basically. TO might be worht a late round flier if they sign him. Somewhere in say the 12 to end range. I have 20 rounds, so a pick in the 15-20 range could be worse.

 

[Ghost Rider]

It is a mark of how far Owens has fallen in the eyes of the NFL in general when a team that has won 3 games in the last two seasons doesn't want him.

And the Bengals are probably wanting him for peanuts, hence the "It's up to him" comment from Mike Brown.

See, TO: this is what happens when you are a team cancer. Once your skills start to go down, no one wants you. A guy like Torry Holt, whose skills have gone downhill quicker than yours have, can still find a team with no problem because he is a great team leader and a guy you want around your young players. You are not.

 

[Catbird]

Yeah, someone needs to come in and teach these kids how to care only about themselves, blame everything on teammates and take whole games off when you don't feel like making an effort.

Evidence for this? T.O. has always had a rep for playing hard all the time.

This is the reason he wasn't invited back to BUF. Managed to talk and behave like a model citizen, for him, but took whole games off when he didn't feel like competing. I have read this several times, but if my understanding is wrong on this, BUF homers please correct?

 

[identikit]

Sources: Jets reach out to Owens' agent

By Adam Schefter

ESPN

Archive

The New York Jets, who once traded for Brett Favre and signed LaDainian Tomlinson this offseason, now are exploring the idea of signing Terrell Owens, according to league sources.

The Jets have contacted Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and have debated the idea of bringing the high-profile wide receiver to training camp.

A deal between the Jets and Owens still is considered a longshot; one person estimated the Jets' chances at signing the high-profile wide receiver at "20 percent."

Ultimately, this is similar to the situation in which the Jets contacted quarterback JaMarcus Russell but never signed him. Still, the Jets are debating Owens' acquistion as head coach Rex Ryan wants any player that improves the team's chances of winning.

The Cincinnati Bengals remain the favorite to sign Owens. The Bengals are offering an incentive-laden contract and they have told Owens he has until Wednesday to agree to a deal.

Even so, now that the Jets have made contact with Owens, the receiver has options in the days ahead.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5412850

 

[identikit]

Jets the latest entrant in Terrell Owens sweepstakes

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 27, 2010 8:35 AM ET

Terrell Owens likes to see his name in the headlines. So do the New York Jets. So it was only a matter of time before Owens and the Jets were in a headline together.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Jets are exploring the idea of signing Owens and have contacted Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

That doesn't mean Owens actually ending up with the Jets is likely; Schefter quotes one source as putting the chances of the Jets signing Owens at "20 percent."

But as we noted a couple weeks ago, the "Final Eight Plan" meant the Jets were among the group of teams that would have to wait until the first training camp opened before they could sign Owens. And now that the first training camp has opened, the Jets are showing some interest.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...ns-sweepstakes/

 

[Jeremy]

It is a mark of how far Owens has fallen in the eyes of the NFL in general when a team that has won 3 games in the last two seasons doesn't want him.

It sounds like the Rams realized they were being used by Owens to get Cincinnati to increase their offer and they didn't want to play that game. He was never going to the Rams.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

mike and mike this morning made it sound like to the Bengals is a done deal....

 

[Joe Bryant]

Reportedly a "low ball" offer. http://www.playerpress.com/articles/10360-...-terrell-owens-

Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus like the Bengals situation and both sides are still negotiating. The team is hoping that a decision is made in the next 48 hours.

Six days after saying that he did not want to talk about Owens, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was singing a different tune on Monday.

“We have an opportunity to add a very productive player, Lewis said. “He has a focus of what he wants to get done and is in focus with what we want to be.”

With that in mind, the Bengals are trying to close the deal fast and the team is hoping an answer comes in the next 48 hours before training camp starts. The problem here looks like Owens' price tag because the team sent him a low ball offer.

Not that it is a ridiculous offer by any means, just a lot lower then Owens was asking.

Value is all about supply and demand. I think the demand has been shown to be miniscule. Not sure there will be any offer out there that isn't a minimal offer.J

 

[cobalt_27]

It is a mark of how far Owens has fallen in the eyes of the NFL in general when a team that has won 3 games in the last two seasons doesn't want him.

It sounds like the Rams realized they were being used by Owens to get Cincinnati to increase their offer and they didn't want to play that game. He was never going to the Rams.

Same with the Jets. No way he's going to NY. This is another Rosenhaus maneuver, as if the Bengals don't see right through it.He'll be in Cincy by tomorrow. The rest of this garbage is just Drew thinking he can drum up demand that isn't there.

 

[Jason Wood]

As a fantasy prognosticator, I don't relish trying to figure out how Owens will fit into a group that already has three WRs who consider themselves full time starters, plus a good young TE, plus an offense predicated on running the ball. But as an NFL observer, I would love to see it happen just because of the news cycles it would create.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It is a mark of how far Owens has fallen in the eyes of the NFL in general when a team that has won 3 games in the last two seasons doesn't want him.

It sounds like the Rams realized they were being used by Owens to get Cincinnati to increase their offer and they didn't want to play that game. He was never going to the Rams.

Same with the Jets. No way he's going to NY. This is another Rosenhaus maneuver, as if the Bengals don't see right through it.He'll be in Cincy by tomorrow. The rest of this garbage is just Drew thinking he can drum up demand that isn't there.

That's what it smells like to me as well. It's part of the job of an agent. Even if it's pretty transparent and not too effective. He should just go ahead and sign. When the Rams say "no thanks", that's pretty strong.J

 

[Avery]

As a fantasy prognosticator, I don't relish trying to figure out how Owens will fit into a group that already has three WRs who consider themselves full time starters, plus a good young TE, plus an offense predicated on running the ball. But as an NFL observer, I would love to see it happen just because of the news cycles it would create.

The thought of the choreographed TD performance that Owens and Ochocinco will deliver is already irritating me.

 

[Jason Wood]

As a fantasy prognosticator, I don't relish trying to figure out how Owens will fit into a group that already has three WRs who consider themselves full time starters, plus a good young TE, plus an offense predicated on running the ball. But as an NFL observer, I would love to see it happen just because of the news cycles it would create.

The thought of the choreographed TD performance that Owens and Ochocinco will performance is already irritating entertaining me.

FIXED

 

[Dr. Octopus]

It is a mark of how far Owens has fallen in the eyes of the NFL in general when a team that has won 3 games in the last two seasons doesn't want him.

It sounds like the Rams realized they were being used by Owens to get Cincinnati to increase their offer and they didn't want to play that game. He was never going to the Rams.

Same with the Jets. No way he's going to NY. This is another Rosenhaus maneuver, as if the Bengals don't see right through it.He'll be in Cincy by tomorrow. The rest of this garbage is just Drew thinking he can drum up demand that isn't there.

That's what it smells like to me as well. It's part of the job of an agent. Even if it's pretty transparent and not too effective. He should just go ahead and sign. When the Rams say "no thanks", that's pretty strong.J

While I agree that it's very likely a ploy by Rosenhaus to get the Bengals to up their offer, there may be some substance here.In an uncapped year the Jets can spend some $ "foolishly" and they do still have a few PSLs to sell. Woody Johnson is almost maniacal about making the Jets relevant in NY/NJ (while conversely making the Giants irrelevant - good luck with that ). They've added a few "aging" stars already in LT2 and Jason Taylor already and it seems they are willing to pull out all the stops to make a SuperBowl run in 2010 and Owens can help their offense.You have to think TO would like to play in NY - but I just don't know if it's a good fit with a young QB and a run first mentality on offense.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

let's say he signs with the Bengals today and you have a draft tomorrow......where does he get drafted with what we know right now....

 

[Polar Dude]

The thought of the choreographed TD performance that Owens and Ochocinco will performance is already irritating entertaining me.

FIXED

No, he definitely had it right the first time. And I don't agree with Avery on much.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

As a fantasy prognosticator, I don't relish trying to figure out how Owens will fit into a group that already has three WRs who consider themselves full time starters, plus a good young TE, plus an offense predicated on running the ball. But as an NFL observer, I would love to see it happen just because of the news cycles it would create. :(

The thought of the choreographed TD performance that Owens and Ochocinco will performance is already irritating entertaining me.

FIXED

I already can't wait...

 

[QuizGuy66]

let's say he signs with the Bengals today and you have a draft tomorrow......where does he get drafted with what we know right now....

It's funny - as a Bengals fan I think he'd be a great acquisition. As a fantasy player, I think that he only brings up the value of Palmer since he'll have more good targets. Figure there's a little less for Ocho, a lot less for Bryant, table scraps for Caldwell and the other young receivers, and less for Gresham. It may help Benson a bit in terms of more TD opportunities but it's just as likely to be a wash.I'd probably put Owens in the middle of the #2 receivers in terms of fantasy which makes him pretty much later round fodder like the 11th or 12th round or so in a 10-teamer. -QG

 

[Stinkin Ref]

let's say he signs with the Bengals today and you have a draft tomorrow......where does he get drafted with what we know right now....

It's funny - as a Bengals fan I think he'd be a great acquisition. As a fantasy player, I think that he only brings up the value of Palmer since he'll have more good targets. Figure there's a little less for Ocho, a lot less for Bryant, table scraps for Caldwell and the other young receivers, and less for Gresham. It may help Benson a bit in terms of more TD opportunities but it's just as likely to be a wash.I'd probably put Owens in the middle of the #2 receivers in terms of fantasy which makes him pretty much later round fodder like the 11th or 12th round or so in a 10-teamer. -QG

everything around him (qb, oline, running game, other WR's, defense) is a huge upgrade to last year...he still has skills.....with some question marks surrounding the grouping at WR 24-36, I think he moves easily into the solid WR3 area in a 12 teamer potentially pushing late WR2 territory......we get Thanksgiving night...........

 

[QuizGuy66]

let's say he signs with the Bengals today and you have a draft tomorrow......where does he get drafted with what we know right now....

It's funny - as a Bengals fan I think he'd be a great acquisition. As a fantasy player, I think that he only brings up the value of Palmer since he'll have more good targets. Figure there's a little less for Ocho, a lot less for Bryant, table scraps for Caldwell and the other young receivers, and less for Gresham. It may help Benson a bit in terms of more TD opportunities but it's just as likely to be a wash.I'd probably put Owens in the middle of the #2 receivers in terms of fantasy which makes him pretty much later round fodder like the 11th or 12th round or so in a 10-teamer. -QG

everything around him (qb, oline, running game, other WR's, defense) is a huge upgrade to last year...he still has skills.....with some question marks surrounding the grouping at WR 24-36, I think he moves easily into the solid WR3 area in a 12 teamer potentially pushing late WR2 territory......we get Thanksgiving night...........

I probably don't :( I'm likely visiting family in NC as I do each year - and would otherwise be going to the Meadowlands for that game -QG

 

[Avery]

The thought of the choreographed TD performance that Owens and Ochocinco will performance is already irritating entertaining me.

FIXED

No, he definitely had it right the first time. And I don't agree with Avery on much.

But I'm such an agreeable guy.

 

[Don Quixote]

PFT reporting that he's agreed with Cincy:

Well, it's happened. Receiver Terrell Owens has agreed to terms with the Bengals.

Per a league source, Owens will receive a base salary of $2 million. He can earn up to another $2 million in incentives.

The source says that the incentives are based on receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...ks-the-bengals/ETA: Schefter just tweeted the same. So, sounds like a done deal.