For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been pushing the idea of the Jets making a run at Terrell Owens.
Here’s what we said last Tuesday: “Santonio Holmes will be suspended four games to start the season, and the Jets currently are in the business of rounding up recognizable names. Owens may be willing to take a lot less money if it means playing for a high-profile team that could help launch an acting career -- if he can find a way into the spotlight with guys like Braylon Edwards and Jason Taylor having similar aspirations. It’s possible that the Jets are laying in the weeds until the restrictions of the Final Eight Plan lift on July 24.”
Though the Jets’ interest apparently is limited for now, it’s not a surprise that the Jets are at least pondering the possibility. With Holmes gone for the month of September, the Jets could use a replacement in the hopes of kick-starting the season the right way. Though Holmes’ return would push Owens, Santonio, or Edwards to the bench, the same problem will arise from Week 1 in Cincinnati, where the Bengals would have to decide whether to bench Antonio Bryant, to whom they’re paying $28 million over four years, or one of two guys -- Chad Ochocinco or T.O. -- who would pout and cry and piss and moan if they don’t get to play as much as they think they should get to play.
Still, the move entails risk for the Jets. With home-grown draft picks cornerback Darrelle Revis, center Nick Mangold, and linebacker David Harris wanting new deals, handing money that could go to them to another veteran stranger could serve only to increase tensions in a locker room that is already close to blowing up.
That’s why we believe that the news of the team’s interest in Owens has been floated not, as many suspect, by agent Drew Rosenhaus, but by the Jets. In our view, G.M. Mike Tannenbaum wants to gauge fan, media, and player reaction before going any farther.
And if the reaction is unanimously negative, the flirtation won’t go any farther.
So, basically, Jets fans, it’s time to speak now or forever get your popcorn ready.