Terrell Owens Signs With...Buffalo?!?

In a stunning turn of events, free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens has signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. To which I respond...really?!?

I can't wrap my mind around this move. I understand it from Buffalo's side, as the Bills needed a playmaker to compliment Lee Evans and take the pressure off of Trent Edwards. The signing of Owens makes Buffalo a threat in the AFC East, which was already one of the strongest divisions in the league. The Bills now have two deep threats that can turn any play into a touchdown any time either of them touches the ball.

However, I cannot understand the deal for Owens. Following his release from the Cowboys on Wednesday night, speculation began that Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus were looking for a team that was a perennial Super Bowl contender that had an established star quarterback and a strong locker room.

Not to sound like a homer, but all signs pointed to the Patriots. They filled every one of Owens' and Rosenhaus' needs, and since trading Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel, they have the cap space to work a move.

However, the Bills made the move and acquired Owens, arguably one of the five best receivers in the league. It will be interesting to see how Owens handles himself with his fourth franchise. For all intents and purposes, he has destroyed his previous locker rooms, in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas. The move leaves Buffalo with many questions:

- Can Trent Edwards handle adequately splitting time between Evans and Owens?
- Can Terrell Owens assimilate himself into the Bills' method of offense?
- Is Dick Jauron the kind of coach that can tame Owens?

Also, how will this affect the balance of power in the AFC East? Early in 2008, the Bills were a force to be reckon with, leading the division prior to a complete meltdown late in the season. Does the acquisition of one player swing the momentum in the division? Are the Bills now on the same plane as the Patriots and the defending division champion Miami Dolphins?

Only time will tell. For now, the Patriots will need to make moves in the defensive backfield, as a corner back tandem of Ellis Hobbs and Shawn Springs cannot handle Evans and Owens twice a year. This move on Buffalo's part will now cause both the Bills and Patriots to respond.