ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

The Buffalo Bills' decision to sign receiver Terrell Owens continues to generate passionate responses in the AFC East mailbag.

On Monday, I posted a massive collection of notes from fans who felt compelled to comment on the surprising transaction.

If I didn't receive another submission, the Owens-to-Buffalo story still would have set the record for heaviest reaction to any AFC East topic. Not even the Brett Favre trade or Tom Brady injury created such commotion.

That was before the mailbag quickly filled up again with more opinions on T.O.

Reactions from Bills fans mostly are positive, but there's a distinct apprehensive tone about Owens, a lightning rod and future Hall of Famer.

Chris in Sodus, N.Y., writes: When I first saw the line "Terrell Owens receives one year deal from Bills" scroll across the ESPN ticker, I have to admit that I felt a little dirty. Unlike so many of the Bills faithful at Two Bills Drive, I have never felt the need to win RIGHT NOW. I would much rather root for a mediocre team with players I love, than a constant winner with players I hate. That being said, I have some mixed emotions about the T.O. deal.. Am I a fan of T.O.? No. Is he a talented WR? Yes. Do I believe he will do what is neccesary to clean up his "problem child" image? No. Does he make Buffalo's offense better? Absolutely. In the end, I believe it is a risk worth taking, even if it's just a plot by the Front Office to put butts in seats.

Pete in Clifton Park, N.Y., writes: T.O.'s signing is a lot like the President's Economic Stimulus Plan. I know SOMETHING had to be done to the Bills' offense, but now that I see the details, I think it's too much all at once. Now, we've been given Mr. Wilson's Offensive Stimulus Program. And, just like the Obama Plan, you have a question to answer. As a Bills fan, are you going to refuse what's being given to you? Or, will you hope it succeeds, regardless of who will pay for it (are you listening, Lee)?

Mike in Canandaigua, N.Y., writes: The rest of the AFC East may not want TO on their team, but I know they don't want to play him 2X a year. Just by stepping on the field, he makes the other 10 players better. The offense immediately becomes more unpredictable. Getting the Bills over the top to the playoffs is much different than taking putting a team over the top to the Super Bowl.

Joe from Parts Unkown writes: T.O. Coming to buffalo finally makes losing four superbowls not the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Buffalo Bills. Bills fans needed hope. We needed a playmaker, a leader, something to talk about! Myself as well as Bills fans everywhere hope T.O. can display these qualities and more. Forget about distractions, we have one of the most electric talented recievers in the NFL for one year and he has something to prove. Welcome T.O. to Gods country, and if you haven't already stopped by the Anchor Bar they make some damn good buffalo wings.

Mike in Amherst, N.Y., writes: Tim--I spend most of my time on Sundays during football season in the Rockpile. As a serious fan, do you think it would be a stretch to ask TO to come up there after scoring to feed me popcorn as part of the celebration or do you think I could get him to do situps in my parking lot?

Bill in Lewiston, N.Y., writes: Tim, I was shocked when I heard that T.O. signed with Bills. After getting the details that the contract was only a reasonable 1 year contract I applaud the bills for shaking things up, bringing in a very talented hard working player and trying to infuse some life onto this team. T. O. has a Buffalo work mentality and will be under control for one year looking for a bigger payday next year. We still have holes to fill that the front office will hopefully take care of either though free agents, trades and the draft. Go Bills!!!

Mike in Chicago writes: I thought the TO signing was a fun shot in the arm for the Bills organization. The Buffalo Bills have lacked an identity since the Music City Miracle. This will give them a face (good or bad) for a year at least. I believe this experiment will work out better than the last time they said "What the heck"..............McGahee

Matt from Parts Unknown writes: Hey Tim, Die Hard Bills Fan Here.. What's the difference between the 90's Bills and the choke artists of the past 10 years. The answer is playmakers. The 90's Bills had Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Jim Kelly, Cornelius Bennett, Bruce Smith. Each one of those guys changed games and each one contributed EQUALLY, that's why they went to 4 straight Super Bowls. With the added talent of T.O. and some good defensive draft picks, this team is on it's way to the playoffs and maybe more..

Mike in Cheektowaga, N.Y., writes: Although Owens can be a headache to a locker room, the same can be said for opposing defensive gameplans... I think the biggest beneficiary of this move will be our RBs. If they put 8 in the box, Trent simply has to heave it up for either Lee or T.O. (wherever there is single coverage). After about 2 weeks, defenses will back off and our running game will look like the K-Gun style (screens, traps, draws)... If it doesn't work, oh well-- it's good to see our front office trying... And here's another huge point: we had brought in L.Coles and he signed for an average of 7million per season with Cincy. He's no choir boy, and few DBs are afraid of him.. We get one of the most dynamic WRs of ALL-TIME at 6.5 mil... fill our seats, sell tons of jerseys, and probably get at the very least 2 more wins (playoffs, maybe?)... a steal for the Bills!!!

EE in La Quinta, Calif., writes: I would love to be indignant about the TO signing, but we need him too much. As Bills fans, we have nothing if we have no hope. Every year we hope. Now we have to hope that TO will be the good TO.

Brendan in New York writes: As a Bills fan for the last twenty years, I am shocked at this signing. I also think that it's a very smart move. I think that Mr. Wilson had been reluctant to make this kind of signing in the past because of the long term ramifications (we had salary cap issues for a long time following the great teams of the 90s. Signing TO is so brilliant because (financially at least) there are no long term-ramifications. And for a team that blew a 5-1 start last year, I think that TO is probably the least of our concerns as far as team chemistry goes.

Jay in Carlsbad, Calif., writes: I don't like this signing because TO won't want to fit in to any offensive scheme and it's going to turn bad for Trent before the season's over. We have other more pressing needs, particularly at LDE and both OG positions. Owens will become very frustrated with a green QB and will make it known after game 1.

David in Albany, N.Y., writes: This is a great signing for the Bills for so many reasons- both on and off the field. Bottom line is the Bills have become complacent with their current position- a mediocre team that just can't figure out how to put it all together. So Owens isn't afraid to speak his mind when things aren't going well on the field. You know what? Someon
e needed to call out Jauron and Edwards at times last year- they were two of the biggest reasons the team took an unacceptable nosedive from 5-1 to 7-9 and out of the playoffs for a ninth straight year. Owens will help shake this team up and hold guys accountable- something that can only help the Bills. And it goes without saying how good of a receiver this guy is- a HOF no matter how he works out in Buffalo. Wilson and Brandon realized that something needed to be done to get the fans excited and they have exceeded expectations. Buffalo is now relevant on the national stage once again. Honestly, what's the worse that can happen? We go 0-6 against the division and miss the playoffs?

Jim in New Jersey writes: For the past three years, even when the Bills won, I was bored. At least now they will be interesting when they lose.

Ryan in Buffalo writes: In response to your TBD Request: As a Bills fan, I welcome Terrell Owens with open arms. It was a great move by the Bills and a great move for T.O. He will be THE superstar on the Bills and with any success he will be embraced by the city. If the Bills make the playoffs, he will get a large amount of credit for the improvement. The offense gets a big boost on paper with Owens. On the other hand, if T.O. has a meltdown and tears the team apart, what is he tearing apart? 10 straight seasons without the postseason? It is a one year deal, not a long marriage. I am getting my popcorn ready.

Corey in Binghamton, N.Y., writes: I love the TO signing! Why: Buffalo is a team starving for both the playoffs and for national relevency. The TO signing accomplishes at least one needs. This all may blow up in Buffalo's face but for a team that has not made the playoffs since 1999 the risk is worth it.

Ernie in Phoenix writes: First off, people that use the term "Bill-eive" are lame. Second off, what's the worst-case scenario? They stink? They've stunk the past 10 years. The rise from where they are now to where they could go is a lot greater than falling from where they are now to absolute rock bottom.

Dan from Parts Unknown writes: No team in the NFL has a more uncertain future than the Buffalo Bills. It is all but certain when out 90 year old owner passes away, the team will be sold to the highest bidder and then move to a more profitable market. As a die hard Bills fan I can tell you we are still dreaming of one last run at winning the Super Bowl before our team leaves town. One last chance to reshape our legacy as a winning one, not just for our football team, but for a city that dreams of rising to past glory. If Terrell Owrens helps us move toward achieving our dreams, we will take it, full well knowing that we have had our hearts broken before.

Jonathan in Buffalo writes: There is a key word that comes to mind when thinking about the state of the Buffalo Bills right now; Desperate. The Bills are a desperate team right now. We are probably going to move in a few years. We havent made the playoffs in about a decade. Our city is falling apart. We are a joke to the rest of the country. It's friggin cold out. We are so desperate that we are willing to go out of our comfort zone to get Owens. Remember how hard "character" was pushed by the organization, especially when Marv Levy got here. This move goes against that philosophy. Here is my opinion. We are so desperate right now, that it's worth it to throw everything down on the table this year. This is not a year where we were realistically expecting playoffs or success. If we crash and burn and go 1-15, then at least we gave it our all, rather than stay with the "stoic", "stone-faced", LOSER attitude that Dick Jauron has brought to the Bills. Nothin' ventured, nothin' gained. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pete in Detroit writes: Re: TO signing for Bills...It's a great sign of optimism for the city of Buffalo. It is more than just a contract, it's a sign that the Bills are willing to go "all in" to return to the winning ways we remember. The fact they are taking a chance is great. I'm looking forward to seeing TO in a Bills uniform.

Mr. Anonymous in Washington D.C. writes: What needs to be understood is that Buffalo sports teams are more than a highlight on ESPN to Buffalonians. Right or wrong, we take pride in our teams in a way not understood by most other cities. Fans of Buffalo know the real pain SB loses cause as well as possible Stanley Cup runs. Our teams are an extension of our daily lives and we live within them. TO on the surface is not a tradition Buffalo player, somebody to grab a beer with. But, we are so hungry for a winner, that if we can somehow make a run, we'll love TO as if he was here his entire career. Time will tell what his legacy will be; forever a Bill or a blink of the eye

Dale in North Collins, N.Y., writes: Hiya Mr. Graham. First time emailer,long time reader. So, uh, they say that this there Terrell Owens fellow is a cancer. But I don't see what his astrological sign has to do with it, ya know? Thanks.

Erik in Los Angeles writes: As a lifelong Bills fan (I grew up in Rochester), this signing is antithetical to everything the Bills have been espousing since Tom Donahoe was unceremoniously shown the curb via Ralph Wilson's foot. The Bills have no identity. For example, Trent Edwards is a West Coast Offense kind of guy and his #1 receiver is deep-ball Lee Evans? Until the Bills figure out who the hell they are, we'll continue to see signings like this that leave most of us scratching our heads and cursing our horrible luck as Bills fans.

Harry in Hookset, N.H., writes: The Owens signing outweighs any possible negatives. I think Buffalo becomes a little more attractive to free agents with T.O. on the roster. Owens will energize the fan base, sell a ton of merchandise, and raise the teams profile in Toronto. Is it a desperation move? Maybe. But the Bills needed something to break out of its malaise. Owens needs to have a good year to earn the big contract in 2010. He will be motivated. And I think the Bills players will get behind T.O. if they see him make a honest effort to make the team better.

Bob in Atlanta writes: Tim i really think this could be a win/win for Buffalo and T.O. I am a life long Bills fan, my family worked for the team in the 70s and 80s. T.o goes to a team that hasn't made the playoffs in 10 years. If T.O helps the offense be more productive and Buffalo reaches the Playoffs, T.O gets a bunch of credit. And Bills fans like myself get some meaningful football in December and January. T.O will benefit from Lee Evans on the other side from him. And a good young Nucleus in Lynch and Edwards. He will behave because he knows this is his last stop if he doesn't.

Josh in St. Louis writes: This is a perfect fit for the Bills. 9 years in a row without making the playoffs, the Bills needed to take a risk. If we had a solid core like San Diego or Indy, I would be saying this was too risky, but when you have the fewest chips at the table, it's easy to go all in.

Jim in Orlando writes: The TO signing is something the Bills have needed for a long time. The team has lacked a playmaker on either side of the ball for a long time. It's pretty sad when you look at the team and realize that the best player on the team is the punter. Sure there are some decent talents on the roster but the Bills have been crying out for a playmaker for years now. The locker room has needed some electricity to fire up the tea drinking, quilt knitting choir boys that have donned the red, white and blue over the past s
everal seasons.

Alex in Buffalo writes: I understand it was a shock to everybody including Buffalo that T.O. was signed by the Bills. Even though he has had his issues with Donovan and Tony Romo that doesnt mean he will have a problem with Trent. With the dynamic duo of Evans and Owens the Bills have a bigger shot at making the playoffs in 2009

Max in Manchester, N.H., writes: Hi Tim, As a displaced Buffalonian who is still passionate about the Bills, I wholly support the signing of T.O. While it is true that championship teams are not built by splashy free-agent signings, the Bills are desperately in need of a jolt to energize the team and give it some media-love. Quite simply, we have nothing to lose by signing T.O. Even if we went 0-16, and the team erupted in bickering and back-stabbing and petulant whining, it couldn't be any worse than the sleep-inducing obscurity of a fourth consecutive 7-9 season. I say, bring on the circus! And the best case
scenario? T.O. gets 60-70 receptions, 8-10 TD's, makes Evans and the entire offense stronger, helps Edwards get some confidence, and takes the team into the first or second round of the playoffs. That would be worth it. The national media may laugh at us now for this signing, but at least they are talking about us! Thanks for asking. Max

Mr. Anonymous from Skaneateles, N.Y., writes: Comment: The Bills back-up quarterback is going to see playing time. Buffalo has two #1 receivers, so how do opposing defenses counter that? Tee-off on the Trent. I wonder how the Bills offense counters that.

Nick in West Palm Beach, Fla., writes: i am a die hard giants fan just to let you know,i like the bills and hate t.o but i think this is a good fit for both parties.brings more attention to a team that hasn't had any publicity since the early 90's. hey t.o this year shut your mouth and catch the ball.got a good coach and they put together a great defense.with a healthy trent edwards. GIANTS/BILLS SUPERBOWL REPEAT OF 1990.GIANTS WIN

Lukas in Rochester, N.Y., writes: This could be the greatest day in Bills history. I am still in shocked. I won't lie, i was never a big Terrell Owens fan. But, this is SOOOO unlike Buffalo. He brings credibility to our team. He brings a demand to be good. He gives us hope. When is the last time the Bills signed a impact free agent? A big name? Takeo Spikes was big. Chris Speilman. Bryce Paup. But none were Terrell Owens type big. Buffalo Bills are a sad franchise of need of desperate hope. Hope of being good. Nobody good comes to Buffalo, only via the draft. Owens gives us that hope. It's a one year deal. It's a win-win for us. Worst case is, something goes wrong and we get rid of him after the season and Jauron goes with him. Or, we compete in a tough AFC East and make playoffs. Did i just say playoffs??? This is very exciting news.This is going to be an exciting season. I'm so glad the Bills did something out of the box. I never expected it.

Jeff in Kenmore, N.Y., writes: Great idea posting the comments from buffalo fans. I was disappointed yesterday when I put on ESPN to hear the talking heads bash the move. Like Alex from Amherst wrote, you have to understand Buffalo to understand why this is - no matter what the outcome - a good move for us. The consummate underdog has finally reached up and grabbed some spotlight that doesn't involve a snowstorm or a plane crash. We, as team, as city, went for it; we didn't debate - signature or twinspan peace bridge?; we didn't settle for "future considerations"; we took a chance on something bold and new, and that is what really matters.

Kevin in Buffalo writes: Everyone knows that TO can, and probably will, be a distraction at some point in the season. What no one is talking about is how the Bills have the worst coach in the league for such a player. Can anyone envision Dick Jauron, lifeless as he is, controlling TO on the sidelines? I don't, and I struggle to find another player on the team that can provide leadership during this season. So...train wreck in the waiting.

Chad in Cleveland writes: I am excited. He tends to keep it under wraps his first year with any team, why would that be different here? Also-the Bills weren't playoff bound prior to the move, even with the "good chemistry". Why not give it a go with a proven talent such as TO? You cant not go to the playoffs, anymore than, not going to the playoffs... Should be fun.

Joe in Raleigh, N.C., writes: Thanks for asking us to post Tim. Thanks also for the wonderful job you do cover the AFC East. I love this move from several perspectives. First, on the field we needed another dynamic play maker. I have heard some pundits say TO's skills are declining--may be true--but he is still one of the best out there at gaining separation and picking up tough YAC. Second, the Bills as a team have little swagger. Coach Jauron is a mild mannered guy but if you listen to guys like Whitner he holds people accountable privately. The Bills have a bunch of quiet, hard-working guys but no-one who kicks them in the butt when they are messing up on Sundays. I love that about TO. He will do it. Third, the Bills have two young receivers--James Hardy and Steve Johnson who will develop--this gives them an extra year--since Hardy is coming off a knee injury that will be important. I love this unexpected move. The Bills are relevant again.

Gordon in Maryland writes: I like the TO signing because it's a one year deal. This isn't some kind of multi-year deal where TO is going to try and mold the offense to himself. TO received terrible response in free agency and he knows this is his last chance to make a good impression and I expect him to behave. Historically he has done fine with teams his first year anyway. The Bills need something to jumpstart a lifeless offense and this could definitely be it. That said, if the move doesn't lead to the playoffs I see Jauron gone by the end of the year.

Mr. Anonymous from Orchard Park, N.Y., writes: Lots of comments on how TO affects the Bills. How does Buffalo affect TO? Kelly is still here - Thurman came back - from Orlando. TO would not stay - but could Buffalo, DJ, TE, and the rest be what he needs for the exclamation point on his career? He needs to finish in a positive way. If he goes to the HOF, wouldn't it be amazing if he went in as a Buffalo Bill? In Buffalo, we never stop dreaming. You never know?

Chuck in Queensbury, N.Y., writes: great move.we haven't had a wide receiver tandem like this since lofton and reed.i was there for that and it kept the offense rolling. I saw jim kelley two years ago before the bills palyed the patriots and all he was gushing about is the weapons on the patriots sideline. well guess what, we are the team with the weapons and a quaterback who can get it to them.haven;t had that since jk...now i feel excitement for this franchise again.. WE ARE RELEVANT. p.s. i almost fell out of my chair when the ticker on espn said he signed with the BILLS. yeah the BILLS......unbelievable.....he will show this team how to work to get ready for the season.....

Bob from Parts Unknown writes: As a long and die-hard Bills' fan, my initial reaction to the T.O. signing was, "Oh, no", but in about 5 minutes my feeling changed to "Oh, yeah". It's about time the Bills did something out of their character. What have they got to lose at this point? It's not my quote, but "desperate times call for desperate measures". And I believe that at least fo
r a one-year experiment, this is a risk worth taking. Who knows? It could just work out. Wouldn't it be ironic if T.O. is the one who finally takes the Bills to the promised land---a Super Bowl victory. Of course, my other thought was that the media was playing a really bad joke on Bills' fans and that the story wasn't true. I had to check the calendar to make sure that it wasn't April 1....

Kevin in Wheatfield, N.Y., writes: Wow...TO to Buffalo.This is the Bills. The TO's of the world don't sign here. We are used to watching every year as the top FA's go to Washington, Dallas, etc. We havent had any real stars since Kelly, Bruce, Andre and Thurman. But i will tell you this..I love the signing. Especially the fact that we got TO on a 1 year deal. What do the Bills have to lose? They've been 7-9 for 3 years in a row and havent made the playoffs in almost a decade. Mediocrity is the norm here in western New York. Somehow a once proud franchise that i grew up loving has become irrelevant in the NFL. The Bills fans have become disgusted with this team, and have directed most of their anger towards Dick Jauron and Ralph Wilson. Ralph told the fans that last years team lacked the talent to be a playoff team. TO is exactly what this team needs. Now I dont think just him is enough to get them to the playoffs, but a few more FA pickups(LB and Guard) and a good draft and you never know. But at least the rest of the NFL will have to take notice of Buffalo. TO is a Bill. They may not be good, but at least they will be interesting...

Rich in Pennsylvania writes: I think that with TO's signing he will fit into Buffalo because it fits what TO at the end of the day wants out of a team and an area - to be needed. In Dallas, SF and Philly there came a point where someone said, "we can win without you." Well in Buffalo they're telling him after 10 years of no playoffs, you are the man to get us ("North America's Team") there. That need and the idea that he doesn't have it anymore will fuel him all year. Popcorn is officially ready.

John from Parts Unknown writes: I'm thrilled by the Owens signing. He will make the passing attack lethal, opening up the field for the running game. If he hangs up 10 TDs for the Bills in '09, they will not only make the playoffs, but advance. The Bills have needed a strong personality and a vet who can set an example for a good long while. They have one now. The downside risk is slight compared to the immense upside potential.

Joe in St. Louis writes: Hi Tim, as a Bills fan for many years I feel that first of all, this is one of the biggest signings since Drew Bledsoe. However, this one is a very large risk that could hinder development of the other players. Since this is only a 1 year deal, it doesn't seem all that bad. This Bills offense is going to be very good because you can't double both TO and Lee Evans can you? Overall, it is a good move for what it is worth and if it doesn't work out then they can just pitch him to the curb at the end of the year.

Tom in Jamestown, N.Y., writes: The signing of TO, by itself, does not make this team relevant. That said, the national eye is now on Buffalo which will force our coaches and players to step their game up. The team was 5-1 last year before their starting QB went down with a concussion. Without a team player backup, we slipped the last half of the season. We will welcome TO with a clean slate. He will appreciate the fans on Sundays. It will be crazy at the Ralph. He'll feel it, He'd better get HIS popcorn ready. Its going to be an entertaining year thats for sure. I'm buying season tickets on Monday!

Corey in Norwalk, Conn., writes: The Bills ranked in the bottom 1/3 on offense last season, and acquiring a player of Owens' caliber will undoubtedly change that stat for 2009. This opens things up for everyone on that offense. You can't double cover Evans and Owens. Lynch won't face 8 in the box nearly as much. Even Josh Reed or Roscoe Parrish should benefit in the slot where they thrive. The bottom line is, for one year at least, this is a good football decision. The Bills should be able to catch up to the rest of the AFC East now.

Jason in Washington D.C. writes: What needs to be understood is that Buffalo sports teams are more than a highlight on ESPN to Buffalonians. Right or wrong, we take pride in our teams in a way not understood by most other cities. Fans of Buffalo know the real pain SB loses cause as well as possible Stanley Cup runs. Our teams are an extension of our daily lives and we live within them. TO on the surface is not a tradition Buffalo player, somebody to grab a beer with. But, we are so hungry for a winner, that if we can somehow make a run, we'll love TO as if he was here his entire career. Time will tell what his legacy will be; forever a Bill or a blink of the eye

Mr. Anonymous in Miami writes: T.O is the guy you love to hate. It's just to easy, he puts himself at the center of attention, and he is the personification of what Buffalo is, "Me, Me, Me". I definitely wasn't on board with the program when it was a rumour. I really believed, we had no shot in hell in signing T.O. So, I as a fan saw what most people see in T.O, his selfish, destructive ways. But as the rumour turned into more of a reality, I couldn't help but start seeing all the amazing talents and intangibles that he brings to the table. As the day went on, I became more excited and then BAM!! T.O signs 1 year $6.5Million deal with the Bills. Absolutely in shock. I still really couldn't believe it, I thought maybe there would be a chance that the deal would get voided or it was a mistake or pending a physical or something. After seeing him wear that Bills hat and stating that he is a Bill. It finally hit home. There is no doubt, that he has brought more excitement to the Bills at least for me in many years. Not only does he bring excitement, but he brings production, even if he doesn't match his recent numbers, there is no doubt that the opposing teams will have to pay more attention to him and that should free up Lee Evans and company for more receiving opportunities, not to mention that there should be less 8 man boxes for our awesome two headed monster rushing attack. I'm really glad that Jauron, Russ Brandon, Ralph Wilson and everyone else involved made this happen. It's a good day to be a Bills fan.