Owens recently worked out with Carson Palmer and several of the Oakland Raiders' young receivers. Afterwards, Palmer praised Owens' work ethic and practice habits and remarked that it had been influential for the young wideouts to see him work.
The Raiders could really use a veteran to show their young receiving corps how to get things done at the NFL level. Bringing in a guy with Owens' credentials would have the same effect that adding a veteran quarterback like Palmer did last year.
Palmer had a shaky season in 2011 after coming to Oakland at the trade deadline. He completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 2,753 yards, with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. But what his arrival did do was give the Raiders a No. 1 quarterback to build around.
He was a veteran who has had success at the NFL level and could show those around him how to go about their business. Owens could have the same effect on the team's absurdly young receivers.
Owens currently ranks sixth on the NFL's all-time receptions list (1,078), is second in receiving yards (15,934) and is tied with Randy Moss for second in receiving touchdowns (153). While his personality may have gotten him in trouble in the past, his performance on the field has never been in question.
The man known as T.O. didn't play during the 2011 NFL season, but he actually turned in a very productive year in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals. With Palmer throwing to him, Owens finished with 72 receptions for 983 yards and nine touchdowns.
With the kind of shape he keeps himself in, Owens probably has at least one solid season left in his body. The Raiders could likely sign him for the veteran's minimum, which would be a complete no-risk deal.
Oakland needs a veteran wideout on their rost...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
