Terrell Owens has signed a one year deal with the Bengals for $2 million guaranteed and up to $2 million more based on performance.
Some may think this was a horrible move, but the fact is they got Terrell Owens for a discounted price. He originally was asking for $3 million, but they came up with a compromise in order to get him into Georgetown, KY for training camp.
If you watch ESPN they are going to show you the statistics of T.O in the past three seasons and they have been at a steady decline, but don't let the stats fool you.
If you look at the highlights you begin to see what this move can bring the Bengals. Owens is an extremely gifted athlete and is more dangerous after the catch.
When you pair Owen's size and athleticism to Chad Ochocinco and his speed and athleticism this is going to be a dangerous receiving core.
I think this may prove to be a better group of receivers than when TJ Houshmandzadeh was apart of the team just a few years ago.
Owens brings that tough mentality to the team that the old Bengals star. People have to remember this is the player that broke his leg late in the season and still made it for the Super Bowl with a monster performance.
Its going to be an interesting competition in training camp to see who wins the third and fourth receiver positions, and believe me thats a great dilemma to have.
If Antonio Bryant doesn't make a comeback from his knee injury it looks like Andre Caldwell will be the most eligible for the position. Caldwell was the second best receiver on this roster last season and he seems to be getting better and better.
The player we can't lose sight of is first round pick Jermaine Gresham, and the Bengals need to get him into training camp faster than Andre Smith last year.
If Gresham learns this play book fast enough he is going to shine in the offense with so much attention on Ochocinco and Owens. This new deal opens up all kinds of opportunities for the slot receiver, the tight end, and the running back.
I won't compare this to a Colts offense because they aren't a dynamic passing team and Carson Palmer is not Peyton Manning. The Bengals are a dynamic running team right now because they have one of the best running backs in the league.
They will win more games because of adding Terrell Owens, and I think this move puts them ahead of the Ravens.
The Ravens have Anquan Boldin, but that is just one receiver. The Bengals now have two guys that have the ability to make the big play and I can see them sweeping their division yet again.
Bottom line is if you are not for this move don't look at stats look at highlights, and Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco have plenty of them.
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