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Commentary: Idea of Bengals signing Owens isn’t so crazy

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By Greg Billing, Staff Writer Updated 7:49 AM Tuesday, July 27, 2010

In seasons past, I never would have wished Terrell Owens on any football team — well, except maybe the Dallas Cowboys — but I think T.O. could actually find a good home in Cincinnati.

And it just might be crazy enough to work.

As of Monday afternoon, July 26, the St. Louis Rams decided to stop pursuing Owens, leaving the Bengals as the front-runners.

The Rams were smart not to bring Owens aboard. Teaming him with rookie Sam Bradford and a rebuilding franchise would have imploded the locker room by midseason.

But the Bengals can make it work.

In Cincinnati, Owens would have a veteran quarterback in Carson Palmer, and the two have reportedly been playing pass in recent weeks.

Owens has support — a shoulder to cry on and a friend to do sit-ups with in his driveway — in good friend Chad Ochocinco. Neither are No. 1 receivers anymore, but teamed together they form a nice pair. The Bengals have a strong running game and a pass-catching tight end, so neither would have to carry the team.

And the time is now. The Steelers could struggle early with quarterback issues. The Ravens’ offense looks solid, but the defense is getting older. And the Browns, well, give it a few years.

So why not go for it with a one-year deal? If it works, bring him back for another.

Owens didn’t destroy the Buffalo Bills last season. And maybe, just maybe, the fact no team rushed to sign him gave him an attitude adjustment.

As a precaution, though, just don’t ask him to carry anyone’s shoulder pads.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991, or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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