Earlier this week, Terrell Owens invoked his 10 day contract clause in the Canadian Football League. This meant the Edmonton Eskimos, the team that owned his rights, had 10 days to issue a contract or release Owens. The Eskimos choose the latter.
3DownNation’s Justin Dunk reports Owens is now a free agent and free to pursue any CFL team. The minimum offer for a veteran is $54,000. Had the Eskimos offered that and Owens turned it down, the team could have held onto his rights for one year. Apparently even the veteran minimum was too rich for the Eskimos and they decided to cut bait instead.
So what happens now? Owens reportedly clocked a 4.43 yard dash in June, so he still has some speed even at 44 years old. It’s just a matter of him finding a CFL team that is willing to give him at least $54,000—granted Owens would accept that salary. ESPN reports that Owens is still pursuing other teams in the CFL and they can put him on the 45-man negotiation list just like the Eskimos have. Owens has stated he wants back into football, either the NFL or CFL, but according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the NFL has shown no interest whatsoever.
The CFL hasn’t shut the door completely on Owens, so this is something to keep an eye on for the next couple of weeks. Personally, It’d be interesting to see someone inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame while being an active CFL player, but with Owens at 44 years old, I’m not holding my breath.