| 27 July 2010
This gives the Bengals three high-profile, outspoken receivers in Owens, Antonio Bryant and Chad Ochocinco. Owens, 36, is nearing the end of his career and has a history of dividing locker rooms. However, his friend Ochocinco and even quarterback Carson Palmer lobbied for the move and it finally happened on Tuesday.
Many will wonder how Palmer will be able to keep all three of his "diva-like" receivers happy. However, that's presuming all of them will stay healthy, which is far from a sure thing when you're talking about three wideouts near or over the age of 30 (Ochocinco is 32 and Bryant is 29). Also, there has been talk that Bryant's knee might be an issue - the same one he injured last year - and Owens provides excellent insurance at worst.
As for what he will get paid, terms of the contract have not been released, but you can bet it won't be a dime more than the $5 million he got paid in Buffalo last year. I bet he got a deal for $4 million with incentives included (for things like games played, receptions, yards and touchdowns).
Training camp starts on Thursday, but from my perspective, I'll remember the Bengals' 2010 season actually beginning on Tuesday, July 27. It's the day they made a bold move and proved they are in it to win it this season. Will everything work out well for the team? Who knows. But kudos to the front office (which I and many others always rip) for being aggressive and showing to their fans that they are set on winning this season.
UPDATE (7:15 p.m.): ESPN is reporting that the deal is worth $2 million with another $2 million available in incentives. That is one hell of a steal for the Bengals. So, they have minimal risk (I'm presuming the first $2 million is guaranteed) and even if Owens completely tears it up this season -- which I know is a long-shot at his age and with other weapons for Palmer to use -- the team will only be out of a total of $4 million.
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