It's funny how the NFL works sometimes. Players who you haven't heard from in years always seem to be popping back up around this time of year, especially in 2012. With the news that Sidney Rice might not be ready for the start of the regular season because of shoulder surgery, the Seahawks went deep into the receiver barrel when they signed, then cut, Antonio Bryant. Bryant hadn't played in the NFL for two years. He won't be back again. Then the team signed once promising fantasy football star Braylon Edwards. After that, many thought the Seahawks were done with their wide-receiving casting call. Nope. Welcome back Terrell Owens, who signed a one-year deal worth $990,000. Get your popcorn and your sharpies ready Seattle.
Owens may not have been in the league last year after undergoing knee surgery, but he still dipped his toes in the sport. Earlier in the year he signed on with the Indoor Football League's Allen Wranglers. He also had part ownership of the team when he signed his deal. Unfortunately this trek into a new area of football didn't last very long when both sides parted ways in May after Owens refused to play in two road games and no-showed an appearance at a local children's hospital. That's the TO I know.
The one question that has been circulating around the fantasy water cooler is "Does TO have anything left in the tank?" Call me crazy, but I think he does. The one thing that sets Owens apart from other receivers is his ability to heal fairly quickly. And if anyone knows as much about TO as I do, you know he does everything he can to keep himself in pristine shape when he's not playing. That's why it wasn't all that surprising when Owens ran a 4.45 forty during his Monday workout. Not bad for a 38 year old.
Now don't be an idiot and think the guy is going to put up numbers similar to some of his best years in the past. Chances are he won't. He is still facing some hurtles, mainly the team's quarterback situation. It finally sounds like Matt Flynn is pulling himself away from both Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson in training camp. We'll get a better idea on how Flynn can do as the starter when he plays the Titans in his first preseason game this Saturday. Remember, Flynn doesn't have Greg Jennings or Jordy Nelson to rely on anymore. If Flynn falls flat on his face, UH OH!
But back to Owens; I'd easily take him as a WR4/WR5. Why not? He's worth the risk, which isn't much at all by ranking him that low. He could easily lead the team in targets and receiving yards this year. And if Flynn proves to be as good as advertised in his limited playing time in Green Bay, look out. Owens just might kick retirement to the curb. For at least another year.