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Terrell Owens is campaigning to get back into the NFL, and his current targets are his first team and the team in which his previous quarterback plays for.

Owens went on “The Drive” on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, in an interview that will air Monday, and said he’d like to play for either the 49ers or the Raiders. Let’s get this straight: Owens would like to play for any team. But thus far, there have not been any takers. Owens was out of football in 2011, and he turns 39 in December.

Yes, he’s a hard sell.

Yet, he is pushing for a chance to reunite with quarterback Carson Palmer. They played in Cincinnati together in 2010, and Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason.

“If I had to prefer a team, I’d probably want to end where I started, but other than that, that’s not possible, but at the same time, anything can happen. That being said, there’s really only one team left in the Bay Area who I haven’t played for, that really, at this point in time is a viable option, and that’s the Oakland Raiders,” Owens said, “Given the opportunity, if that’s on their radar for me to come in and help them win some ball games, and ultimately help them try to win a championship, then I’ll take that challenge on.

"I definitely feel I have a lot of football left in me. I think Carson knows that. The guys that saw me running around, those receivers, they saw me first hand, so it’s just a matter of someone giving me an opportunity to make that happen. If that’s the case with the Raiders, I’ll assess that when the time comes.”

The reality is, it doesn’t matter if Owens is interested in playing for the Raiders. There are a lot of people in the world who would like to play for the Raiders. What matters is what Oakland’s brass wants. Thus far, it appears Oakland is satisfied with its young core of receivers. As I have expressed often, I think it is the right call.

Let’s see what fifth-round pick Juron Criner can do. Taking away repetitions from him in favor of a rusty 38-year-old with a history of being a locker-room distraction doesn’t make any sense.

In other AFC West news:

Tight end Dallas Clark reportedly visited the Patriots this week. He recently visited the Chiefs.

In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper says he thinks Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston will build upon his strong rookie season.

Denver signed fifth-round pick Malik Jackson. He is the team’s second draft pick to sign.

AFC West blogger Bill Williamson talks about the continuing influence of the New England Patriots on the Kansas City Chiefs.

After reading the transcript from John Elway’s press briefing Thursday night, it is clear to see why the Broncos traded down twice and eventually out of the first round.

They didn’t think anybody was worthy of a first-round pick where they were picking and they wanted to add picks. Denver now has the No. 36 pick in the second round and added No. 101, in the fourth round. Denver has two picks in the second round, one in the third round and three in the fourth round. I would be surprised if the Broncos don’t try to add another third-round pick and get four picks on Friday.

I think Denver decided to trade down once defensive tackles Dontari Poe, Fletcher Cox and Michael Brockers were off the board by the 14th pick. Denver originally had the No. 25 pick, then traded to No. 31 before going to No. 36.

“Everyone else saw the talent that we saw too,” said Elway, Denver’s top decision-maker. “When those guys started going like that, they went in a hurry. We thought we were going to have to get a little bit lucky for them to fall to us anyways. They’re good football players and when they didn’t get to us that gave us the opportunity to start moving back a little bit.”

Elway made it clear that the Broncos would rather stockpile picks than make a reach, thus the trades with the Patriots and the Buccaneers.

“When we looked at where we were, obviously we had some guys targeted that didn’t quite make it to us in 25, so we had some opportunities to move back with New England to pick up a fourth. We liked that, thought that was great,” Elway said. "Then, when we had a chance to move back from 31 to 36 with Tampa again, our board looked the same. We thought we’d be able to get the same people at 36 that we could at 31 -- or have the same pool of players there at 36 as we did at 31. By doing that we moved up 25 spots to the top of the fourth, which we really believe this is a deep draft. It’s not real thick at the top, but it’s pretty deep through the middle rounds. We thought by adding another good pick it gives us more options going into tomorrow. Plus, we’ll still be able to get the same people that we had targeted that made it to us at 25 at 36. We’re excited about the day. Obviously it’s a little bit of a downer when you don’t have a new player. But, we’re excited about where we sit and the next two days are going to be exciting.”

Among the players Denver could target at No. 36 with their top pick Friday are Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, Connecticut defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill, LSU receiver Rueben Randle, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Cincinnati defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David. I think we could see Denver try to get a quarterback Friday as well.

There has been some chatter Kansas City could put the No. 11 pick up for sale. With New England potentially interested in Alabama safety Mark Barron and Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, perhaps former colleagues Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick could come to an accord. However, the Chiefs like both of those players as well.

Still, getting the No. 27 and No. 31 picks from the Patriots could perhaps appeal to Pioli. In that case, the Chiefs would have three picks in the first 44.

Meanwhile, NFL.com refuted a report that said Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe may sign his franchise tender prior to the draft because he is worried that the Chiefs will draft a receiver early (Michael Floyd, anyone?) and strip his franchise tag, making him an unrestricted free agent in a market with little free-agency money. The NFL.com report says Bowe is still hopeful of getting a long-term deal by July 15.

I still say the franchise-tag dilemma is overblown. Whether he signs an extension or not, Bowe will be a Chief this season. Is he really going to let more than $9 million in 2012 salary sit on the table? Of course not.

Meanwhile, with the NFL considering suspending the Pro Bowl, many readers have emailed me, saying the league should consider a skills competition and have something similar to the NBA All-Star weekend. I agree, and I know that some in the league have considered that. I think the key is staying in Hawaii. Players love it and would lose interest if Hawaii is taken completely out of the mix.

When a high-profile player becomes available, I get flooded with questions if he is a good fit for the AFC West.

Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel is no different. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Eagles have talked to several teams about trading for Samuel and he could be sent packing by next week’s draft.

I don’t see any easy fits in the AFC West for Samuel, but let’s take a closer look:

Denver: The Broncos have an aging Champ Bailey and have Tracy Porter signed for one year. I think they may be looking for a cornerback, but perhaps in the draft rather than via a trade for a veteran.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are set at cornerback with Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt. I see no room for Samuel, even though he has history with Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli in New England.

Oakland: The Raiders could use Samuel more than any team in the division, but I don’t think they have the trade means to get him. But if the price is right, perhaps Oakland could get in play.

San Diego: They could be the favorite in the division to land Samuel, but I don’t know if they would be in the race. Samuel would give San Diego some flexibility in the backfield, but I’m not sure the team would think pursuing Samuel would be worthwhile.

Let’s look at one road trip fans should take to see their favorite AFC West team in 2012:

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots, Oct. 7

Why: New England is beautiful that time of year and seeing Peyton Manning-Tom Brady live is a priceless experience.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers, Nov. 1

Why: Start a long weekend in a great city with a cool intra-divisional Thursday night game.

Oakland Raiders at Broncos, Sept. 30

Why: I know many commenters on this blog are planning this trip. Hope to see you there.

San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints, Oct. 7

Why: A Philip Rivers-Drew Brees matchup in a tremendous city is a hot ticket.

The Oakland Raiders need depth, and they just added some to their deepest position. A source confirms Dave Tollefson has agreed to a deal with the Raiders.

Tollefson will not change the Raiders’ defense, but he is a solid player who bolsters the defensive front.

Tollefson is a solid third defensive end who is versatile enough to play tackle and linebacker in some sets. That makes him a perfect rotational fit for new coach Dennis Allen’s plans to use multiple fronts.

The Raiders could use Tollefson since the promising Trevor Scott signed with New England and Jarvis Moss is unsigned and probably not in Oakland’s plans. Tollefson had five sacks last season. He will provide a good pass-rushing burst as a backup. Again, Tollefson is not a premier player, but there is plenty of value in this signing.

He is signing for two years. The Raiders offered Tollefson more guaranteed money than other suitors. Tollefson is a Bay Area native who was on Oakland’s practice squad in 2007.

In other AFC West news:

• I could see Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all considering Chris Crocker, who was just cut by the Bengals. All three teams could use a veteran safety and have considered options this offseason. Crocker, who has durability issues, is 32 and he was a captain.
• ESPN Stats & Information looks at how the Broncos have gotten stronger in an attempt to help new quarterback Peyton Manning.

Midweek mail call:

Brandon from Kansas wants to know if I think the Chiefs really plan to make a run at Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first round of the draft.

Bill Williamson: I’d be surprised. The Chiefs’ first-round pick is at No.11. I think the latest Tannehill will last is No. 8 at Miami. Thus, the Chiefs will have to get up to No. 7. I’m not sure the Chiefs need a quarterback that badly. I think we could see the Chiefs take someone such as Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins, Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden or Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler in the second round at No. 44.

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Lee from Denver wants to know if Denver defensive tackle Ty Warren will be back in 2012.

BW: He certainly is an option. The problem is he has missed the past two NFL seasons. He had a hip injury in 2010 with New England and he missed his first season in Denver with a triceps injury. At 31, he is certainly fresh and if he is healthy, he can help the Broncos at their biggest need position. But Denver better not count on a player who has missed the past two seasons. Whatever they can get from him will be a bonus.

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David from Redlands wants to know if the Raiders could use the No. 95 pick on Utah State running back Robert Turbin.

BW: I think No. 95 may be a little high for Turbin, and the Raiders have other more immediate needs. But he could be an intriguing prospect at the end of the fourth or fifth rounds for Oakland. The East Bay native is a sleeper who has good size, speed and college game film. He’d be a fine addition in Oakland at the right spot.

Luis Castillo is headed back home.

Weeks after he was released, the defensive end has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Chargers.

The Chargers cut Castillo, 28, prior to free agency in a salary-cap move. He suffered a broken leg in Week 1 last season and he did not return. The Chargers expressed interest in re-signing Castillo at a lesser rate when he was cut. A former first-round pick by the Chargers, Castillo had visited Kansas City and New England.

However, he heads back to San Diego where he should be part of the team’s rotation. I think the Chargers would like to see youngsters Corey Liuget and Vaughn Martin merge as the primary defensive ends in the 3-4 defense, but Castillo is experienced, well versed in the team's defense and, if healthy, he'll be a solid addition to the unit.

UDPATE: U-T San Diego is reporting the Chargers are talking about a contract with former Oakland tackle Mario Henderson. He would be a backup in San Diego. He was cut last summer by the Raiders because he was out of shape. He did not play in the NFL last season.

Cornerback Chris Carr is reportedly signing with the Vikings. He has visited with the Chiefs.

It’s been three days since Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos and speculation began that he would be joined by multiple former Indianapolis teammates.

The opportunities are shrinking. Manning’s longtime center Jeff Saturday, who visited Denver on Wednesday, has signed with Green Bay, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

While the team is still working on Colts’ tight end Jacob Tamme, the Broncos did sign tight end Joel Dreessen on Friday. Dreessen is a good second tight end who had 28 catches last season.

If Tamme does sign that would likely mean Colts’ veteran Dallas Clark will not come to Denver. If Tamme signs elsewhere (Seattle is hotly pursuing him), perhaps Clark will be in the picture. Denver also wants to develop second-year tight end Julius Thomas.

Other former Manning teammates Denver could consider include running back Joseph Addai and receiver Brandon Stokley.

I don’t think the fact that Saturday is not coming to Denver is a huge loss. Sure, It would have helped Manning’s transition to the offense, but third-year center J.D. Walton is a solid player who did well last season. Manning and Walton will find a rhythm and Walton didn’t deserve to be replaced by a 37-year-old simply based on a previous comfort level.

In other news:

Yes, the Broncos’ trade of Tim Tebow to the Jets has been delayed by protocol. But, don’t be fooled. Tebow will be a Jet.

New England signed Denver free-agent fullback Spencer Larsen. Denver didn’t have much interest in bringing him back.

Kansas City right tackle Barry Richardson has visited the St. Louis Rams. He has been replaced by Eric Winston, who is a major upgrade from Richardson.

It looks like Daniel Fells and Dante Rosario could see the writing on the wall.

As news broke that Peyton Manning will sign with Denver, Fells signed with the New England Patriots and Rosario signed with the San Diego Chargers. Tight ends Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme may be on their way to Denver for a Colts’ reunion.

Rosario will add depth in San Diego, and his signing continues a trend of intra-AFC West movement. He clearly thought he better get a new job because of Clark and Tamme’s potential arrival in Denver.

The Broncos currently have Julius Thomas and Virgil Green at tight end. They were rookies last season. Green will serve a four-game NFL suspension to start the season for using banned substance. The team expects Thomas to make strides in his second season whether or not Manning gets to play with some familiar faces.

As expected, Peyton Manning will likely not be coming to the Denver Broncos empty handed.

NFL Network reports center Jeff Saturday is coming to Denver for a visit and veteran receiver Brandon Stokley may sign. They both played with Manning in Indianapolis. The other former Colts who could sign in Denver are running back Joseph Addai and tight ends Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme.

If Saturday signs, that would mean Denver would either trade J.D. Walton or make him a backup. Walton is a good, young player, but Manning and Saturday have had a long relationship and have great chemistry. Stokley is a former Denver receiver who would probably be a No. 4 receiver with the Broncos. Manning stayed at Stokley’s house when he visited Denver earlier this month.

In other AFC West news:

The contract between Denver tight end Daniel Fells and New England is done. He signed a three-year deal.

The Boston Herald reported that that former San Diego defensive lineman Luis Castillo visited with the New England Patriots. He has already visited Kansas City,

Tennessee is visiting with pass-rusher Kamerion Wimbley. He was cut by the Raiders on Friday.

Former Oakland guard Robert Gallery will not be coming back to the team. He reportedly has signed with New England. Oakland cut Gallery last summer and he was with the Seahawks last season.

Richard Seymour joked about sleepless nights and Shaun Phillips tweeted about needing to work out more.

Yes, the defenses of the AFC West have been put on notice. Peyton Manning, one of the best players in the NFL if his neck woes are behind him, is joining the division as the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

The Manning signing likely will have an effect on the thinking of the three other teams in the AFC West when it comes to making additions this offseason. It’s got to be defense, defense, defense.

That was probably where the three teams were probably leaning toward concentrating on in the draft, anyway.

Kansas City -- coached by Romeo Crennel, whose defenses played well against Manning while he was the defensive coordinator in New England -- likely will look to upgrade on the defensive front and at linebacker early in the draft. The Chiefs loaded up on offense in free agency.

The Raiders have signed veteran cornerbacks Ronald Bartell and Shawntae Spencer. The Raiders will need the experience with Manning gunning for them.

San Diego will look for a pass-rusher in the draft's first round and may add some defensives pieces in free agency. It also has signed Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson.

The landscape of the division was rocked by this move, and Denver’s opponents have to adjust accordingly.

Hall of Fame quarterbacks rarely lose in the clutch.

The Duke did it again in Denver.

On the biggest day in Denver Broncos history since John Elway won his second straight Super Bowl 13 years ago, Elway displayed his acumen as an NFL executive by landing perhaps the biggest free-agent prize in NFL history.

Peyton Manning is going to be a Denver Bronco. Just as important, Tim Tebow is likely going to be a former Denver Bronco.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen have reported that Manning has instructed his agent to complete a deal with the Denver Broncos, and Manning told the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans of his decision to play elsewhere. Mortensen reports that working out the contract details is a formality.

According to Schefter, Manning’s head was leading him to San Francisco, but his heart was with Elway and the Broncos. The relationship between Elway and Manning is a major reason Manning is going to play in the Rocky Mountains. Legendary quarterbacks like to hang out with one another.

When he arrives in Denver, Manning -- who the Broncos are confident will be able to bounce back from a neck injury that cost him the 2011 season -- will enjoy the presence of a kindred spirit unlike any he’s had before in an NFL building. Manning knows Elway will understand everything he is thinking, and Elway will do everything it takes to make Manning successful in Denver.

Landing Manning became a quest for Denver’s organization last month when it became clear that Manning would be released by the Colts. It was obvious Elway was never completely comfortable moving forward with Tebow as the starter even though Elway and head coach John Fox said Tebow earned the right to go to training camp as the starter.

One of the reasons the Broncos had planned to stick with Tebow was they didn’t have any other viable options. The Broncos are not in the position to draft Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, and no other rookie prospect appears ready to take over a team. The free-agent class offered no major upgrades.

Then Manning became available, and everything changed.

Manning offered Denver the perfect escape route from Tebow-mania. Because Tebow was a huge fan favorite, the Broncos knew it would be difficult to part ways with him. But who can argue with the Manning-Tebow swap? Tebow-mania is dead in Denver. Manning-mania is taking over.

Expect the Broncos to try to trade Tebow. The Florida legend could attract interest in Jacksonville or Miami. Mortensen also said New England (where former Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who drafted Tebow, is the offensive coordinator) could be interested. Mortensen said Tebow could be released if Denver can’t find a trade partner.

Even though Manning, who turns 36 on Saturday, is not going to be a long-term fixture in Denver -- I’d expect three solid seasons from him -- the Broncos are more than comfortable going all in on Manning and moving away from Tebow.

The Broncos tired of the weight of the focus being solely on Tebow. They also were weary of his inability to become a pure pocket passer. Now, instead of having to wait on and answer questions about Tebow’s development, Denver can toss Manning a ball and let him take over.

While Elway was a huge factor in Denver's landing Manning, do not underestimate the role of Fox. He is a player-friendly coach who will allow Manning the freedom to do what he likes. Fox and Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy proved last year with Tebow they are flexible enough to allow the quarterback to dictate the offense.

The option offense is out. The line-of-scrimmage artistry of Manning is in.

Expect the Broncos to aggressively add some pieces who will fit with Manning. Denver’s offense was more run-oriented with Tebow. Now, it will be more passing-oriented. Expect the Broncos to reach out to Manning’s former center, Jeff Saturday, and perhaps tight ends Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme. I wouldn’t be surprised if another receiver was added even though Manning was intrigued by the idea of working with young receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.

Fox needs to continue to improve the young defense. The Broncos have been in talks with several defensive free agents, and with Manning all but secured, Fox can focus on beefing up that side of the ball.

The Broncos were often the center of the NFL universe last season with Tebow, and they should be again for a completely different reason. Expect Denver to get a full allotment of prime-time games in 2012 as the football world wants to see whether Manning and Elway can chase a combined fourth Super Bowl ring.

There’s a new franchise star in Denver, and it's only fitting that the greatest Bronco of them all is the reason why.

San Diego running back Mike Tolbert is in Carolina visiting with the Panthers, according to a league source.

If the visit goes well it is not out of the question that Tolbert signs with the Panthers in the next 24 hours. Unless there is a dramatic change of direction, it appears Tolbert’s days with the Chargers are over.

He was one of the team’s priorities, but talks have stalled. If the key backup leaves San Diego, the Chargers could turn to Kansas City’s Jackie Battle or Oakland’s Michael Bush to back up Ryan Mathews.

In other AFC West news:

Denver tight end Daniel Fells is visiting New England on Monday.

The Broncos have re-signed middle linebacker Joe Mays. He was a serviceable starter in 2011, starting 12 games. The team would like to see Nate Irving become a starter. If so, the 26-year-old Mays will still have value as a special-teamer.

Free-agent offensive lineman Samson Satele was arrested in Hawaii (where he lives in the offseason) on disorderly conduct charges, a petty misdemeanor. Satele played last season for Oakland, which may not bring him back in 2012.