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ALLEN, Texas -- During his 12-minute Q&A with the media Wednesday night, wide receiver Terrell Owens, now with the Allen Wranglers, was asked about his departure from the Dallas Cowboys.

Owens didn't sound like a man who was over his release from the Cowboys.

"I think everybody knows after the first three years, I had signed an extension [in 2008] and after that season I got that call or whatever, that meeting that said they wanted to part ways," Owens said. "It was very disappointing. It was one of those things where again, it’s a lot of lip service. People saying they’re going to do one thing and do another. I've learned a lot within the last three to five years about life in general and even people in general."

Owens was referring to Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones.

After the Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2008, all sorts of decisions were made -- the biggest was cutting Owens. Jerry Jones had said Owens would return for the 2009 season but later said things could change.

Things did.

During a dinner meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jerry and Stephen Jones told Owens he wouldn't be coming back to the team. It devastated Owens, who felt he was going to retire with the Cowboys.

And now it seems Owens wants nothing to do with Jerry Jones.

"I’ve seen him maybe a handful of times since then. Other than that, it is what it is," Owens said. "I'm not bitter about it. At that time, it was disappointing considering the stadium was about to be open and he had told me I was going to be a big part of that process. Then it's like having the wind knocked out of you. But life goes on."

The Mayo Clinic released a video (above) of the Cowboys' Mat McBriar punting at their facility this week.

McBriar underwent successful surgery to remove a cyst in his left leg. He was expected to be released Wednesday afternoon.

"The intraneural cyst was causing Mat’s foot drop. The surgery to remove the cyst was targeted, based on the most current understanding of the condition and its formation," said Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon Robert Spinner, who performed the surgery and is a leading expert on the condition. "Mat’s surgery went extremely well, and I believe he will be as good a punter as ever."

According to the Mayo Clinic, McBriar said, "I’m thrilled. I couldn’t ask for better news. I’m concentrating on a speedy recovery."

Here's more info on the surgery from the Mayo Clinic: An intraneural ganglion is a benign cyst filled with mucinous material (thick jelly consistency) contained within a nerve. Recent work done at Mayo has shown that the cyst is connected to a neighboring joint by a small nerve branch. Identifying and treating this joint connection forms the basis of successful surgery.

This has to be good news for the Cowboys, especially with McBriar becoming an unrestricted free agent on March 13. There is concern about signing him, based on his health. But if doctors are saying he's going to fully recover, the Cowboys might be better served to take care of their punter with a two-or-three year contract.

ALLEN, Texas -- Across from the outlet mall off U.S. Highway 75 at the Allen Events Center on Wednesday night, Terrell Owens talked about getting another chance.

Owens is once more being paid as a professional athlete -- not in the NFL but with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, a minor league arena team. The first game is Feb. 25.

Owens is a 50 percent owner of the franchise along with Jon Frankel.

It was a sad and strange scene seeing Owens stand on the stage talking to the media and taking questions from fans about his NFL career.

Owens still believes he can play in the NFL, but no team signed him last year. He doesn't have plans to file retirement papers and hopes to use his skill set in this league to show everybody he can still play in the NFL.

He's got an opt-out clause that allows him to leave if an NFL team wants to sign him.

I'm no expert, but one thing I've learned about the NFL is that the younger you are, the better.

Owens is 38. His chances are slim.

I asked Owens why he is here:

"These guys sent me a proposal last year," he said simply. "I have no answers as for why. I know God works in mysterious ways. It was an opportunity for myself and my family. It’s a way for myself to keep in shape. I haven’t retired from the NFL. I want to play a couple more years. This right here will allow me to do that and assess where I am. I know I'm physically fit to play the game still."

Owens also has financial issues. He's lost some of his $80 million fortune because of bad investments, and he wants to tell younger players to be careful with their money.

The major issue with Owens is he doesn't know when to retire. He can't play in the NFL anymore.

It's got nothing to do with his attitude; he didn't get into trouble in his last two stops -- Buffalo and Cincinnati -- and it has nothing to do with previous stops in Dallas, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Owens doesn't have the skills any more to play in the NFL. He can't get off press coverage, isn't a threat down the field with his speed and while he might possess good hands, who knows if he's got the quickness to get into open spots in zone coverage to catch passes.

Owens is also coming off ACL surgery. At 38. Let's say that again -- at 38 years old.

There's a documentary on HBO on boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson, who fought longer than he wanted to because of tax problems. He was a shell of his former self.

In his prime, Robinson was the best ever.

When his physical skills left him, he was just an average fighter, but the man kept fighting to pay off his debts. Charles Rangel, a long-time congressman from New York, said simply of Robinson's prolonged fighting career, "He was a professional."

That's Owens. He keeps fighting. Keeps playing while there are nearly no chances for a return to the NFL. So he will play with the Allen Wranglers and hopes to get a few more cheers again.

He's like that prize fighter who won't go away.

It seems this move is beneath Owens based on a career that should put him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.

"From a football aspect no," Owens said if playing in this league was beneath him. "There has been some things I have been going through personally from that standpoint and obviously the passing of my grandmother. It has definitely put a lot things in perspective for me and my family. Other than that, I'm not really worried about what anybody thinks or what they say about me from here going forward. I know I have to take control of my life and what I have to do for my family. That is all that really matters."

For maybe the first time since I first started covering him in 2006, Owens seems at peace with himself.

Maybe that's all he has left. Peace of mind.

This is the fourth installment of a 12-part series breaking down the Cowboys roster. Today we look at tight ends.


Players: Jason Witten (signed through 2017), Martellus Bennett (free agent), John Phillips (signed through 2012)

Top free agents: Martellus Bennett, Dallas Cowboys; John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks; Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers; Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars; Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings

Top draft prospects: Coby Fleener, Stanford; Dwayne Allen, Clemson; Orson Charles, Georgia; Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Layayette; Michael Egnew, Missouri

2011 review: First the good news: Bennett will not return. He didn't like how he was being used in the offense and his locker room and off-the-field antics rubbed some in the organization the wrong way. Now the bad news: Bennett was the Cowboys' best blocking tight end and most athletic. He will find a home. More good news: Witten returns for his 10th season and is in line to have the longest tenure on the team if Bradie James and Terence Newman don't return. He's a professional and despite not making the Pro Bowl last season, led the team in catches (79) and receiving yards (942). Phillips was average last season, after coming off knee surgery.

Offseason preview: Free agency isn't the way to go here because the class is top heavy with world-class talent. The draft is a possibility and a mid-to-late round pick could be the answer. Green might be around on the third day and he's worth looking at. The Cowboys want tight ends who can block well and are not afraid to mix it up. Witten is the perfect example of how to do that.

Bryan Broaddus' Scout's Eye: It's hard to believe that Witten will be playing in his 10th season for the Cowboys. The Cowboys need to work on finding the next tight end who will be reliable and productive like Witten has been. I am not saying that Witten is done, but it would be a nice time to start finding a replacement. It's a shame that Bennett played at a higher level toward the end of the season so other teams would have decent film to watch when he becomes a free agent. Don't fool yourself into thinking that Bennett was this great run blocker because he wasn't. There were times he was good but not as good as he could have been. His career in Dallas will always have me wondering "what if." Phillips should be better than he was in 2011 coming off knee surgery. He is a productive player run or pass. Shaun Chapas was drafted last season, but I don't see the necessary skills. If the Cowboys get an extra pick in the middle of the draft, it could be a good time to look at tight ends.

Need meter (0-5): 4

At the Senior Bowl, head coach Jason Garrett said the Dallas Cowboys had interviewed several candidates to become an assistant secondary coach.

The team is on the verge of finalizing a deal to make Joe Baker the assistant secondary coach, according to a source. Baker, who was let go by Tampa Bay after the 2011 season along with the rest of the coaching staff, played college ball with Garrett at Princeton from 1987 to 1988.

Baker was a wide receiver and while he didn't play professionally, he has coached with six NFL teams. In Tampa Bay, he was the linebackers coach.

If hired, Baker will assist Jerome Henderson, who is the Cowboys secondary coach. A void in the coaching staff developed after Brett Maxie left the Cowboys to become the secondary coach with the Tennessee Titans.

There are no plans to make any more hires to the Cowboys coaching staff after the team hires an assistant secondary coach.

PTI guys Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon hold a serious debate of major sports importance: Who'd be a better golf playing partner, Tony Romo or Bill Murray?

The professional football career of wide receiver Terrell Owens resumes Wednesday night when he'll be introduced as a co-owner/player for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League.

The team has scheduled a free welcoming party for Owens starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Allen Events Center and it will last about an hour. Fans will be given popcorn as they walk in. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Why is Owens joining a minor league indoor football team?

Owens didn't play in the NFL last season, and he's using this to show NFL teams he can still play. He's also having financial issues, having lost most of his $80 million fortune as he's in litigation to get some of his money back.

As for the Wranglers, Owens told talk show host Wendy Williams of opposing players trying to hit him: "They can't hit what they can't touch."

This is the third in a 12-part series on the Cowboys roster.

Players: Miles Austin (signed through 2016), Dez Bryant (signed through 2014), Laurent Robinson (unrestricted free agent), Kevin Ogletree (restricted free agent), Dwayne Harris (signed through 2014), Andre Holmes (signed through 2013), Raymond Radway (signed through 2013), Teddy Williams (reserves/future contract)

Top free agents: Wes Welker, New England Patriots; Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints; DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles; Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers; Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs.

Top draft prospects: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State; Michael Floyd, Notre Dame; Kendall Wright, Baylor; Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina; Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers.

2011 review: Robinson, who was signed in early September after being cut by the Chargers, ended up being the Cowboys’ most effective receiver. It took an injury to Austin and ineffectiveness by Ogletree for Robinson to get a significant role, but he led the Cowboys with 11 touchdown catches and was second among the team’s wideouts in catches (54) and receiving yards (858). Bryant didn’t have a 100-yard game all season, but he made significant progress, finishing his second year with 63 catches for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. Austin was a disappointment in the second year of a $54 million contract. He missed six games due to two hamstring strains, finishing the season with only 43 catches for 579 yards and seven touchdowns.

Offseason preview: The Cowboys’ biggest decision regarding the receiving corps will be whether to re-sign Robinson. He’s made it clear that he wants to return to Valley Ranch and has indicated that the Cowboys wouldn’t necessarily have to be the top bidders to keep him. What the Cowboys would be willing to pay for a No. 3 receiver who has proven he can be a quality fill-in starter isn’t clear. If the Cowboys don’t re-sign Robinson, they’ll need to find another third receiver, whether it’s in the draft or another free-agency bargain.

Bryan Broaddus’ Scout’s Eye: The Cowboys will be set at starters with Austin and Bryant. The biggest question will be if the club makes the effort to try and re-sign Robinson or if it allows him to leave via free agency. I would not be surprised if the front office allows Robinson to walk. If that is the case, then his numbers will need to be replaced. Let's be honest, Ogletree can't do the job as the third receiver. Ogletree has been given every opportunity to step up and take that job, but he can't do it. If not Robinson or Ogletree, there is Holley, Harris, Radway and Holmes. Holley had some productive snaps but mainly on special teams. Harris was off and on the practice squad. Radway is an interesting player because if he didn't get injured on the last play of the preseason game against the Dolphins, there was a great chance he was going to make the roster. The plan will be to try and find another Robinson in free agency with the available receivers. I don't see them using a high pick on a receiver but taking the approach of looking at a height-weight-speed player later.

Need meter (0-5): 2

Giants co-owner Steve Tisch spiced up his franchise's Super Bowl celebration by taking a shot at the team's NFC East archrival.

PODCAST
Ed Werder is done with his Super Bowl coverage, and says the Cowboys need to fix team chemistry in order to succeed in the future. Listen

"There's a group of guys in Dallas that call themselves America's Team, but looking out at all of you and the millions of people in the streets [Tuesday], we're 'America's Dream,'" Tisch told the crowd at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants' second Super Bowl parade in five years ended.

You can scoff at Tisch's sportsmanship if you want.

However, the Giants earned bragging rights over the Cowboys by beating them twice in the last four weeks of the regular season, erasing a dozen-point deficit in the final six minutes Dec. 11 at Cowboys Stadium and pretty much dominating the de facto NFC East title game on New Year's Day, and using those victories as a springboard to a surprising Super Bowl run.

Tiger Woods talked about Pebble Beach Pro-Am partner Tony Romo while discussing this weekend's tournament with ESPN's Colleen Dominguez.

Woods said the Cowboys' quarterback has been calling, texting and sending video of his swing.

"He's just so fired up about playing," Woods said of Romo. "He's a hell of a golfer to begin with. He's a scratch golfer. To him this is like a dream come true for him to come out and play in this type of event."

Woods said Romo's goal is to finish on top of the leaderboard.

"He wants to not just make the cut," Woods said. "He wants to win the tournament so he's trying to figure out, 'How many birdies I need to make and blah blah blah.' And I said, 'OK, well, why don't we just both play well at the same time.'"

Woods will play with Romo in the pro-am format that requires each team to play at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Monterrey Peninsula Country Club over the first three rounds. The cut is then made after 54 holes, with all pros and the top amateur teams advancing to the final round Sunday at Pebble Beach.

Cowboys punter Mat McBriar underwent surgery to dissolve a cyst below his left knee on Tuesday.

"Mat's surgery was a success and they expect him to make a full recovery!!," McBriar's wife Erin posted on Twitter.

McBriar was diagnosed with drop foot during the 2011 season, believed to be caused by nerve damage. The foot started to give McBriar trouble prior to the Oct. 23 game against St. Louis and he was inactive the next week against Philadelphia. He returned for the next six games before the Cowboys placed him on injured reserve the day before the regular-season finale at the New York Giants.

McBriar said at the time he was in talks with the team for a few weeks about going on IR and it was a mutual decision.

After the season, McBriar was examined over a three-day period at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he was diagnosed with an intraneural ganglion cyst below his left knee.

McBriar becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 13 and his status with the Cowboys is uncertain. He averaged 43.1 yards per punt with a 36.1-yard net average.

Coach Jason Garrett, speaking at the Senior Bowl last month, praised McBriar's toughness for playing through the injury.

This is the second-part of a 12-part series on the Cowboys roster. Today we look at the running backs.


Players: Felix Jones (signed through 2012), Tony Fiammetta (free agent), Shaun Chapas (signed through 2014), Sammy Morris (free agent), Chauncey Washington (free agent), DeMarco Murray (signed through 2014), Phillip Tanner (signed through 2013).

Top free agents: Matt Forte, Chicago Bears; Arian Foster, Houston Texans; Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks; Ray Rice, Baltimore

Top draft prospects: Trent Richardson, Alabama; Lamar Miller, Miami (FL); David Wilson, Virginia Tech; LaMichael James, Oregon; Doug Martin, Boise State.

2011 review: The season started off with uncertainty as Jones took over the starting role after Marion Barber was released. An injury to Jones opened the door for Murray, a rookie, who set a franchise record with a 253-yard rushing performance against St. Louis. Murray's season ended with a fractured ankle, but he rushed for 897 yards. He will become the starter in 2012 and Jones will go back to coming off the bench. Murray is the future and has the skills and mindset to have a bigger season. Fiammetta burst onto the scene as a strong fullback that cleared the way for Murray and Jones to pick up big yards. Tanner has a future as Murray's backup but must have a strong training camp to make the roster again.

Offseason preview: Should the Cowboys consider trading Jones this offseason? It's hard to accomplish a trade with Jones entering the final year of his contract. The Cowboys should explore whether a fourth-or fifth-round pick is available for the former first-round pick. The team doesn't trust Jones to become a 20-down back in the NFL. He's a solid backup, which leads us to Tanner. He should compete with Jones for more playing time. If he makes the roster, he should get more game-day carries and special teams snaps. The Cowboys need to re-sign Fiammetta to maintain the chemistry he developed with Murray. Fiammetta was the glue to a solid running attack in the middle of the season. If Fiammetta's health issues (inner ear infection) are solved, then his return should be considered a positive.

Bryan Broaddus' Scout's Eye: Running back will be a position of strength for the Cowboys going into the 2012 season. Murray was outstanding when given the opportunity to start for the club, which allowed Jones to return to the role for which he is better suited -- backup off the bench. Tanner was a nice fit as a third back who contributes on special teams -- a role that Jerry Jones likes.

The learning curve for Murray was not that steep and he was able to do things as a pass protector that allowed him to stay on the field for more than two downs. The Cowboys were a different offense with Murray in the lineup, and Garrett was a better playcaller. If the Cowboys try to upgrade the position, it will most likely be for Tanner, but he will be tough to replace. I don't see the club using a draft pick on this spot unless it's late and it's a height, weight and speed player with high-quality traits.

Need meter (0-5): 2.

The NFL Mock Drafts are coming on pretty strong now, especially with the 2011 NFL season ending on Sunday night.

Todd McShay's Mock Draft has the Cowboys taking troubled cornerback Janoris Jenkins from North Alabama. He was kicked off the team at Florida for various offenses.

Jenkins performed well during Senior Bowl practices but his off-the-field issues make him a risk.

Here's what McShay had to say about Jenkins: "Corner is a top need area, and Jenkins proved at the Senior Bowl that he's still an elite cover corner after spending a year at the Division II level. Dallas will need to get comfortable with his character issues, though, including legal issues that led to his dismissal from the Florida program."

It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys go that route. Jerry Jones isn't fond of players with drug issues and Jason Garrett doesn't want players with off-the-field problems in his locker room. While he wasn't against the Cowboys drafting Dez Bryant, he wasn't the head coach, Wade Phillips was, so he didn't have the final say.

Now Garrett does.

Jenkins has said he's willing to tell all about his troubles at Florida.

Mel Kiper's first Mock Draft had the Cowboys taking Stanford guard David DeCastro, but McShay has DeCastro going to Arizona at No. 13.

Here's McShay's first round. You have to be an ESPN Insider to view it.

SportsCenter posed the question: "Which team that missed the playoffs has the best chance of winning Super Bowl XLVII?"

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Mike Golic from Mike & Mike in the Morning comments on what we saw from the Patriots and Giants in the Super Bowl. Listen

Analyst Tim Hasselbeck's answer: The Dallas Cowboys.

"Lot of talent on that football team," Hasselbeck said. "Miles Austin not injured. Defense, another year with Rob Ryan. I think the Cowboys could be that team. ... Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo. They have the best shot."

Herm Edwards' prediction: "Fly Eagles Fly."

IRVING, Texas -- The New York Giants put a close to 2011 with a 21-17 win against New England in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, but a little NFL business for 2012 can begin today.

Monday is the first day teams can begin cutting players but that doesn’t mean the Cowboys will make any moves immediately or at least the move everybody is expecting them to make.

Cornerback Terence Newman has been in the crosshairs since before the 2011 season ended. The Cowboys can save at least $4 million in cap room by releasing Newman. If he is designated a post-June 1 cut, the Cowboys would save $6 million in space but create $2 million in dead money in 2013.

The only players the Cowboys can sign are “street” free agents who did not finish the year on an NFL roster.

Unrestricted free agency begins March 13.