How realistic is a Terrell Owens signing with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Terrell Owens told Andy Reid he’s ready to suit up for the Chiefs if needed.

On the surface, it sounds completely silly, a laughable idea that’s easily shrugged off as a charismatic legend giving a shout out to his former head coach. But if you watched the recent video of Terrell Owens racing Tyreek Hill, the idea of TO signing with the Kansas City Chiefs doesn’t seem that much of a stretch. Or does it?

If you are just catching up, Owens recently raced Chiefs receiving Tyreek Hill in a video put out by Hill that showed off their friendship and the speed of both players. While Hill got the best of him, Owens, who is now 46-years-old and a full decade removed from the league, still ran an unofficial 4.42 second time in the 40-yard dash. He also looked like a complete beast.

During their time together, Owens played to the camera—something he was always good at doing—and stated the following:

"“Andy Reid, trust me, if you get in trouble now, if you get in trouble, I’m letting you know right now, I’m social distancing. I got my mask on, but if you ready, it’s gonna be mask off. Bring me to Kansas City now. You know you know me. Rick Burkholder, you know you all know me now. Let’s go, Kansas City Chiefs.”"

Owens is a legendary NFL wide receiver who played 15 seasons and put up 15,934 receiving yards with an astounding 153 touchdowns to his name. He was a six-time Pro Bowler (though he deserved at least 3-4 more), a five-time All-Pro, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame only two years ago.

One look at Hill’s video, however, sets aside any concerns about his physical abilities, even after being away from the game for so long.

The Chiefs, as constructed, don’t need Owens. They got the band back together. They’re running it back. They’ve got targets aplenty—including some future legends of their own—that include Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Damien Williams, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. But what if something happens?

Here’s the thing: Owens himself gives the same disclaimer to Reid: “If you get in trouble…” In this odd season with COVID-19 concerns and a higher potential for injury given the odd on-ramp back to the season, it’s possible the Chiefs will be dealing with a concern at the position. Is Owens really a possibility being out of the game for so long?

When a player hasn’t played in a year or more, that’s usually a serious concern for any team interested in what he still has to offer. However, Owens was a physical marvel, a man among boys in a sport where being an elite athlete is the bare minimum for inclusion. His combination of length, speed, strength, and hands were unparalleled—a level reserved for the Randy Moss types of NFL history.

Owen’s ability to stand out in the red zone was a particular concern for opposing defenses. Consider this: only 8 Chiefs ever (in 60 years) have put up 10 touchdowns in a single season. Owens averaged that many in his decade-and-a-half long career and he did it with five different teams. Even in his final season, at the advanced age of 37—a point at which most NFL receivers have been retired for several years—Owens still had 72 catches for 983 yards and 9 touchdowns on a 4-12 Bengals team catching passes from Carson Palmer.

Owens doesn’t play special teams, so the idea of the Chiefs signing Owens with a healthy roster makes zero sense. The Chiefs can expect to play in the Super Bowl as constructed and there’s no need to mess with the offense at this stage. But what if something does happen to a primary target?

Is it crazy to think that TO could step in? Maybe. But it’s important to remember that Owens has played for Reid in the past and clearly has a relationship there. He even gives a shout to Rick Burkholder to trainer Rick Burkholder, meaning Owens would enter Arrowhead with several relationships already in place.

Sure it’s a stretch, but Owens was always an exception even when he played. He still looks the part and he seems to be willing to step in, if called, once again. After watching him play and his recent race, I would never be the one to bet against him.