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I caught a small portion of the Vinnie and Cook show on 93.7 The Fan today — which is more than I usually catch, thankfully — and Vinnie was talking briefly about whether or not the Steelers would (or should) consider looking at once-great wide receiver, now free-agent troublemaker Terrell Owens.
Because if there’s one thing the Steelers need more of right now, it’s another sideshow that is known more for his off-field antics than his on-field production.
The discussion was sparked after a guest appearance from Buffalo News football writer Allen Wilson, who felt the Steelers would be a good fit for the soon-to-be 37-year-old Owens. Naturally, Vinnie started talking about how the Steelers are already behind the eight-ball this offseason and need to consider all possible options, no matter how nonsensical they might be (my words, not his), when it comes to getting out from behind said eight-ball.
The pro’s and con’s of Terrell Owens in Black and Gold.
Pro: Moving right along…
Con: At the risk of sounding like everyone’s least-favorite screaming voice on ESPN — Skip Bayless — Terrell Owens is poison. Some might say it’s his reputation, but this is not a reputation. This is fact. He has worn out his welcome in each and every city he’s ever played in — and in the case of Baltimore, a city he never actually played in. And each time he’s seemingly worn out his welcome faster than he did during the previous stop.
Con: As a football player, he’s a shell of his former self. This is not the Terrell Owens that tortured opposing secondaries with the 49ers, Eagles and Cowboys. This is a wide receiver that will turn 37 in December and has seen his production decline in each of the past three seasons. He is no longer an elite player.
Con: The Steelers have their own distractions to worry about without willingly bringing in another one.
Con: Even after the Santono Holmes-to-New York giveaway, and the season-ending injury to Limas Sweed, the Steelers are still set at the wide receiver position. Hines Ward is still playing at a high level (and he’s actually two-and-a-half years younger than Owens) while Mike Wallace appears ready to become a very good starter, and perhaps more. Heath Hiller, while not a receiver, is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL, and Antwaan Randle El is back in the mix as the No. 3 slot man. Even though his return game is now nonexistent, he still has a great set of hands.
Then there’s also the additions of rookies Emannuelle Sanders and Antonio Brown who will be competing for playing time.
Bottom line: As unlikely as it might be, it’s a terrible idea and suggestion.
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