Oakland Raiders Making Push For Terrell Owens In 2009?

Despite the body language and his own words that he wants to retire a Dallas Cowboy, Terrell Owens may have some takers if he is not provided an extension in 2009.

I came across this column today that opens a can of worms on the impending future of Owens in the blue and silver. The writer is offering pure speculation, and possibly even prayers, but what he inadvertently does is make me wonder: What exactly will the Cowboys do with Owens at the end of this season, considering the team just spent mad money on contracts for Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Terence Newman and Patrick Crayton.

And here I thought only blogs discussed rumors, innuendos and speculation. Not anymore, folks!

At age 34, Owens isn’t a spry kid. But he’s famously well conditioned. And because he wants to be the next Jerry Rice, Owens likely has another six years in him. If those years aren’t with the Raiders, another Bay Area team is crying out for wide receiver help. Owens didn’t burn bridges on his way out of the 49ers locker room in 2004 as much as his agent misjudged the void date of Owens’ contract. Now here’s an image: Owens rejoining the 49ers, along with quarterback Jeff Garcia (in his last year of a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and coach Steve Mariucci (on call at the NFL Network). Nah, it’s easier to envision Owens in silver. But will that silver helmet feature a Cowboys star or a Raiders shield? Tune in next year.

Wow. How is that for pulling a rabbit out of a hat? What this guy basically says is if the Cowboys don’t sign T.O., he’ll become a Raider. Wishful thinking? Probably. But it is also pretty dumb. Unless the Raiders show drastic improvement in 2008-09, which ESPN’s John Clayton believes will happen, Owens isn’t going to leave a winner for a loser. I see him retiring before he does that. He obviously wants to win what has eluded him his entire career: A Super Bowl.

This is his best chance, and if the Cowboys do win it, I see Owens hanging up his cleats for good. That’s in Dallas, not in Oakland.