OSG has learned from sources in Buffalo that Terrell Owens ((pictured, thanks James P. McCoy/Buffalo News)) will sign a 1 year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
A press conference is scheduled for 6:15pm in Buffalo. More details to come.
HERE ARE YOUR DETAILS:
The Bills did not release contract details, but an NFL source said Owens received a guaranteed one-year deal worth $6.5 million.
"This is obviously a great day for the Buffalo Bills organization," Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said during a news conference at the team's headquarters. "We're excited to have one of the premier playmakers in a playmakers' league."
Brandon and members of the front office flew to Miami and brought Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus back to Buffalo, where an agreement was reached quickly.
"It's been a pretty interesting couple of days for myself," said Owens. "I know a lot of my teammates back there in Dallas ... I have a lot of support from those guys. It's very unfortunate what happened. But I must move on. This is another new beginning for me. I'm looking forward to this opportunity. I'm very excited to be here. The story will kind of write itself."
"You know, when you are fortunate enough to work with a future Hall of Famer like Terrell, you would expect to get it done fast because a player like this will not stay on the open market," Rosenhaus said. "He spoke with a lot of the key family and friends and it was really a no-brainer."
For Owens perhaps, but for the Bills?
The move is a stunner on so many levels. Acquiring a player with a reputation for being selfish and a divisive element in the locker room is contrary to the core beliefs of the Bills and head coach Dick Jauron, who places a high emphasis on team chemistry over individualism.
"When you have the opportunity to go after one of the top receivers in league history, one of the premier playmakers, as I mentioned earlier, you need to start quick," Brandon said.
Owens adds a much-needed weapon to the Bills' offense. He is a major upgrade to the Bills' receiving corps that needed a big-time complement to Lee Evans, who might see less double coverage opposite Owens.
The Bills met with Joey Galloway, Kelley Washington and Laveranues Coles, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. None of them are as good as Owens.
"We all know of his tremendous ability and look forward to what he will bring to our offense," Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. said in a statement.
Owens said he is looking forward to working with quarterback Trent Edwards — whom Owens said has "tremendous upside" — and playing with Evans. He also is motivated to prove he is still an elite receiver at age 35.
"I feel like my play speaks for itself," he said. "When the opportunity presents itself I make those plays and make things happen.
"I think Buffalo gave themselves a buzz [last season]. They were hot at the beginning of the season. They didn't finish well. But with someone like myself, I can come in and add that extra piece. and we can get over the hump."
Owens is used to being the center of attention, but the media spotlight may not be as intense in Buffalo as it was in Dallas, Philadelphia and San Francisco. He said he'll adjust.
"I just have to create my own following up here in North America," he said. "I'm leaving America's Team to come to North America's Team. Get ready."
Those of us at OSG HQ are trying to figure out the over-under on when The Player makes his first ((and only allowable)) mistake and he's fitted for cement shoes for a dip in beautiful Lake Erie.
And we're also trying to figure out who his geography teacher was back in the day...
Unless, of course, The Player is referring to his expanded presence over the Mason-Dixon Line.
Are the Bills taking over the entire continent...?
Well, they are playing in Toronto, or T.O.
Oooh, the irony does not escape us...
Here's the early part of the presser from the NFL Network...
