Philadelphia Eagles: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time
By Randy Gurzi
54. . WR. (2004-05). Terrell Owens. 13. player
Terrell Owens was one of the biggest stars in the NFL in the late 1990s and early 2000s and went down as one of the best wide receivers of all-time. He was the total package, as he could win with speed, size, route running and strength.
However, he was also a lightning rod for controversy. This led to him being a journeyman throughout his career, as he burned bridge after bridge wherever he went.
After eight successful seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, “T.O.” found himself in the middle of a failed trade where the 49ers tried to send him to the Baltimore Ravens. The deal was negated after a grievance was filed by Owens and his agent. He was allowed to join the Eagles on a seven-year contract.
Paired with star quarterback Donovan McNabb, Owens was practically unstoppable for much of the 2004 NFL season. In 14 games, he recorded 77 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns.
However, he suffered a fractured fibula during his final game of the season and miraculously made it back to the field for the Super Bowl. He finished that game with 122 yards on nine receptions, but the Eagles still fell to the New England Patriots. After that, things got weird with Owens.
Feeling like he didn’t get enough respect for what he did on the field in his first year — and especially for his play in the Super Bowl — Owens started asking to renegotiate his deal.
He also threw McNabb under the bus, saying he cost the team a title due to his lack of conditioning. Owens also was in a highly publicized fight with teammate Hugh Douglas, which led to fists being thrown at one another.
He was released after playing just seven games in his second season with the club in 2005. Owens joined the Dallas Cowboys the following season, where he continued to have problems in the locker room.
Still, Owens lands on this list because he was incredibly productive while on the field. However, had he been able to keep his ego in check, he may have ended up as the Eagles’ best free agent signing ever.