Today's early reports said the Jets had 'reached out' to wide receiver Terrell Owens. I could not be happier they did not take his hand in marriage.
This offseason the Jets have already added two stars of the past decade, LaDainian Tomlinson and Jason Taylor. The two bring big name appeal but more notably declining stat lines.
The Jets will hope those two revert back to their glory days- or at least something close to them. But what they didn't need now is another thirty-something whose name proceeds his game of late. Yes, that's you, T.O.
There's a reason why very few teams were rushing to sign the 36-year-old Owens. Actually, there's more than one. After a happy honeymoon, Owens almost always finds some cause for annulment. In San Francisco, it was Jeff Garcia. In Philadelphia, it was Donovan McNabb. In Dallas, it was Jerry Jones.
It's not just the attitude though. Sometimes you can put up with an ego for immense production. But Owens' production is on the decline. After having one of his best seasons in 2007, his numbers have gone down in each of the past two. In 2008, they were still strong, 69 receptions, 1,052 yards, 10 TD.
Not so much in 2009. Owens reached the end zone just five times to go along with 829 yards and 55 receptions. Maybe it was just the environment. There is no doubt that playing with one of the worst offensive units and the duo of Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick did nothing to help Owens. But he did not do much to raise their games either.
Most great players eventually go into decline. Owens has had a great career. There's no shame in saying that he may not be the same player now at 36. For the Bengals, it may be worth the risk to see if he can recapture his glory, just like the Jets hope Taylor and Tomlinson will.
The team to take that risk is rightfully not the Jets, one that already traded for Santonio Holmes this offseason and Braylon Edwards during the 2009 campaign. In fact, Owens might not have even been the third best receiver on this Jets team that also has Jerricho Cotchery.
Holmes will be out for the season's first four weeks. But when he comes back, Owens would be what, the fourth receiver? On a team that prides itself on running the ball?
It didn't make sense- for either party. For Owens, it was a distinct possibility to fall further into on-the-field anonymity. For the Jets, it would have been overkill.
No T.O. on 'Hard Knocks' now but instead it's two 'reality stars' in the fall's newest drama...a 16 episode order to see if T.O. will be....'Ochocinco's (and the Bengals') Ultimate Catch.' Eat your heart out, VH1.
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