Terrell Owens Unemployed

All-Pro receiver and world-class jerk-face Terrell Owens has reportedly been released by the Dallas Cowboys after a tumultuous season in which the team faced more drama than a Spanish soap opera. Apparently Cowboys owner and GM, Jerry Jones, was finally convinced that Owens was such a clubhouse cancer it was worth $9,000,000 (Owens' 2009 cap hit) for him NOT to play for them next year. This makes him the 5th-most expensive receiver in the game even if he doesn't play next year.

So now where does he go? Owens has burned some bridges with the wrong people in this game (*cough*Parcells*cough*), and given his history, his attitude, his age, and his exhorbitant salary expectations, it would seem his options are limited. Here are some thoughts:

Carolina Panthers

This is an interesting option. Carolina is a team on the edge of being an upper-echelon team. They have a veteran QB presence in Jake Delhomme, and a WR tandem of T.O. and Steve Smith would be explosive - in more ways than one. Questions abound, however. Steve Smith is a big personality. So, too, T.O. Could they share the spotlight? What happens to Mushin Muhammad?

Minnesota Vikings

This seems to be a popular choice among talk radio hosts this morning. Minnesota currently lacks a marquis receiver. They also lack a marquis QB to throw to T.O., with next year's presumptive QB Sage Rosenfels a career backup. Another concern - superstar RB Adrian Peterson. The Vikes are a run-first team. T.O.'s presence would definitely help open up the already stellar running attack, but how long until Mr. Get Me The Damn Ball starts grousing about touches?

New England Patriots

The Pats have a history of reclamation projects - Corey Dillon, Rodney Harrison, Randy Moss. These are all players who came in with the "malcontent" label and have all been the consummate "team" guy since getting to Foxboro. The Pats could use a good third receiver, but Owens isn't a third receiver. Plus it would seem Randy Moss would just as soon have T.O. poop in his sandbox as share TD catches. However, stranger things have happened, and the Pats do have some salary cap space to play with.

New Orleans Saints

This one is the most interesting. Here's a pass-first offense with a very good down-field passer in Drew Brees. They have a bunch of offensive weapons but nobody you might call a "marquis" receiver. Head Coach Sean Peyton is a former Parcells disciple, but he also left Dallas before T.O. got there so they don't have that sordid history. Of any team, this one has the possibility of being a pretty good fit in my opinion.

I don't really care where Terrell Owens ends up, but I get really into off-season sports drama. And just like the Manny Ramirez situation, I love to see highly-paid, selfish players squirm.