At this point, the speculation is put on hold. On Wednesday the New England Patriots made headlines after Tom Brady was seen working out with wide receiver Terrell Owens. While Brady was at USC facilities getting familiar with his newly signed receivers, Owens joined in for a little session as well. Rumors began to build that Owens might be the next player for the Patriots. However, according to league sources the Patriots have no interest in signings Owens.
Owens was last seen on an NFL team prior to the 2012 season. The 39-year old signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but failed to make the final roster and was cut. The last time he was a full-time player in the league was 2010 when the Cincinnati Bengals took a chance on him. He started in 11 games, recording 72 catches for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. He proved he could still be productive, but the Bengals eventually released him at the end of the season. Owens also had a stint in the Indoor Football League with the Allen Wranglers, a team he is co-owner of.
Speculation began to fly that Owens could sign with New England since the team is in need of another pass threat. Most of their wide receivers including Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Brandon Lloyd all left due to free agency. Newly signed Danny Amendola is a good option, but not ready to be the No. 1 guy. Owens has expressed interest in returning to the NFL, maintain his fitness and speed. It was reported that while training with the Seahawks last season, Owens ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. The Patriots once took a chance and signed Chad Johnson to a contract, but that did not work out, possibly playing a role in the team's lack of interest in Owens.
If the Patriots go back and decide they might be interested in Owens, they could sign him to the veteran's minimum and get him for practically nothing. As Owens approaches 40 this coming December, it is hard to see a team taking a chance on him. It seemed his best shot was with the Patriots, but now that the door has closed, he remains a free agent.
