Let's have some fun with this whole Terrell Owens situation.
Most pundits have the Raiders being a viable destination for the man known as T.O. But why?
Here's why it shouldn't happen:
*The team has publicly stated it wants to give its young players opportunities. Owens would definitely take away catches from those players. Javon Walker is still on the team, too. How many vets do the Raiders need.
*Owens' personality goes against all of what Tom Cable has tried to establish in the locker room. Though he's been called a good teammate and professional, he's been seen as a divisive force on three teams.
*Money used to lure Owens would be better spent adding to the offensive line, on another veteran quarterback and depth on defense.
*The Raiders lack the strong leader on offense to deal with Owens.
*If you think Owens was hard on Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo, how would he deal with JaMarcus Russell?
*In spite of their reputaiton as a haven for the NFL's rebels, this Raider team is really tame. For al the drama with Walker before the season, he wasn't an issue.
Besides Tommy Kelly's DUI last season, the team hasn't had really any big distractions on the team.
Most of those last season came courtesy of Lane Kiffin vs. Al Davis.
And there are some reasons for the Raiders to consider Owens:
*Even at 35, Owens would be the Raiders' best receiver.
*No one has ever questioned Owens' work ethic. Who better to teach the Raiders' young wideouts about how to prepare?
*If reports that most of the NFL wants no part of Owens are accurate, the Raiders might be able to sign Owens at a discount.
Admittedly, it was much easier to come up with reasons not to bring Owens on. So we'll see what happens.
***
*In non-Owens news, the Cowboys also released safety Roy Williams. I've heard Raider fans clamor for Williams in the past. But he wouldn't be a good fit.
If the Raiders' new defense requires more coverage from its safeties, Williams wouldn't be a good fit.
Williams' playing time decreased in Dallas because of his coverage skills. So the Raiders would be better off sticking with Tyvon Branch, Michael Huff and Hiram Eugene as safeties.
*Speaking of Walker (well I mentioned him earlier), he restructured his contract to stay in Oakland and reportedly reduce his salary cap-figure from $10 million to $2 million and forgoing his $5 million bonus due this week.
So it looks like Walker will be sticking around while also giving the Raiders some financial flexiblity.
*Even though OT Khalif Barnes had a good visit his signing isn't imminent. Stay tuned.
--Jason Jones
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