Ravens Take T.O. - E-mpire Forums

lil_fuckedupboy · #1 03-16-2004, 01:58 AM

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

The 49ers traded Terrell Owens to the Ravens on Thursday for a second-round choice in the 2004 draft, the 51st selection overall.

49ers general manager Terry Donahue had vowed Tuesday to make a trade within 72 hours, and he lived up to his word. Calls were made to the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Ravens, Eagles and several others. The Jets and Browns warmed up to the idea, but the Ravens moved the quickest, giving up their second-rounder.

The Ravens have scheduled a news conference for later Thursday to discuss the trade.

The Ravens won't draft until the third round in April because they used their first-rounder to move up and acquire quarterback Kyle Boller in last year's draft. But in making this trade, they now have a Pro Bowl receiver to help their young quarterback grow.

All along, the 49ers believed Owens would have ended up in Baltimore. During the Ravens playoff drive, several 49ers front office people kept calling the Ravens, telling them that they thought Baltimore would be the logical choice. Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis tried to recruit Owens at the Pro Bowl.

Owens missed out on free agency when he didn't notify the 49ers by Feb. 21 to void the final three years of his contract. Owens had a clause in his contract to void the contract by the first week in March but a collective bargaining override -- which was created in 2001 -- made the date around Feb. 21.

David Joseph, Owens' agent, did know about the change of date. The Ravens pick up the final three years of his contract valued at around $17 million.

Owens and Marvin Harrison are the only receivers with more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns over the past four seasons. Last season, Owens had 80 catches for 1,102 yards and nine TDs -- his lowest totals since 1999.

Owens is also known for a series of on-field celebrations and off-field conflicts.

Two years ago, he pulled out a pen and signed a ball after scoring a touchdown in Seattle. He wasn't fined for the move but was severely chastized by commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who said he would be disciplined for future stunts.

He also precipitated a melee during a game by dancing on the Dallas Cowboys' star at midfield after scoring.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.