Tom Brady spent much of Wednesday working out in California with his new wide receiver, Danny Amendola. The two are attempting to get on the same page and build some chemistry as the Patriots prepare to begin offseason workouts. However, there was another familiar face involved with the low-key session, Terrell Owens. Owens has not seen an NFL field for some time now, but could his career have resurgence with the New England Patriots?
The last time Owens was playing full-time in the NFL was 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 11 of 14 games, catching 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. The team decided to release him after the season was over and no other team came calling. Owens then signed with the Allen Wranglers, part of the Indoor Football League. He played eight games for the team while also becoming co-owner. Once that stint was over, Owens signed with the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2012 season but never made it past training camp.
The 39-year old has proven to still be in shape. He is second in the NFL all time in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns. Also present at the work out with Brady was Minnesota Viking quarterback and former New England Patriot, Matt Cassel. So does all this mean that Owens is the next receiver for the Patriots?
The Patriots receiving core is pretty bare thanks to free agency. New England lost Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Brandon Lloyd. They certainly would have a roster spot for Owens. They signed Amendola but he is not ready to be the go-to guy. He has never caught more than three touchdown passes in a single season. Owens has 153 career touchdowns.
Owens could fit perfectly in the Bill Belichick offense. He has proven to still be fit. Last year, he was still clocking a 4.45 40-yard dash time. He has the football I.Q and experience to pick up the rhythm of the offense in a relatively short amount of time. Clearly, he and Brady are friends, which could make a difference.
The Patriots could easily sign Owens to a small one-year contract and still get a lot of productivity for their money. With plenty of aging players on the roster, including Brady, they need to be in a win-now state. Signing a young receiver will not get the job done this year. Owens is a savvy veteran and with Brady throwing him the ball, it could be what the Patriots need for a return trip to the Super Bowl. Get your popcorn ready.