TO to Baltimore

[PJ']

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1750991

Got him for a second rounder too. This is big for Baltimore, they now have a true #1 and to package TO with Todd Heap and Travis Taylor for the passing game and Jamal Lewis (if cleared of course), the Raven's are poised to make another run at the SB. And with Ray Lewis at the helm of that team, he won't be throwing any of those fits with Ray around.

[wackadoo]

i'm not sure, but i heard he's new contract is paying better then marvin harrison's. this is why the eagles lost out, the did not want to pay him that kind of money.

who is the raven's starting QB? is it boller(sp?) or anthony wright?

[PJ']

I believe it's Boller since he is Billick's handpicked QB. Boller is pretty raw but he'll make a lot of strides this year since they also have Jim Fassel on the staff.

I didn't hear about the new contract thing though. That sounds pretty interesting and looks like you'll be drafting a receiver now.

[Ballbuster1]

Originally posted by wackadoo
i'm not sure, but i heard he's new contract is paying better then marvin harrison's. this is why the eagles lost out, the did not want to pay him that kind of money.
That's why the Philly sports teams always seem to lose out.
They get 1 or 2 big buck players and think that's good enough.
They never want to reach too deep into those pockets.

[ih8Uboo-boo]

Don't fault the Iggles, I think that we may have been hosed...

Eagles Miss Daily Double (http://www.nj.com/eagles/times/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/107848131757971.xml)


PHILADELPHIA - It was a good day or bad day for the Eagles. You be the judge.

Jevon Kearse, perhaps the premier free agent on the NFL market, passed his physical with the Eagles and signed an eight-year, $66 million contract that included a $16 million signing bonus. He will count just about $7 million against this year's salary cap.

Terrell Owens, the premier wide receiver available who the Eagles had a 50-50 chance to acquire, instead was traded to the Baltimore Ravens for a second-round draft pick (the 51st overall selection).


According to two sources very close to the situation, the Eagles had a deal worked out with Owens' agent David Joseph to make him an Eagle and to redo his contract and give him a handsome signing bonus.

One of the sources told The Times that the deal with the Eagles was being done just as the Ravens were making the trade to acquire him.

How did that happen?

According to one source, because the Eagles' offer to the 49ers was a fifth-round pick and a player believed to be wide receiver James Thrash in exchange for Owens. San Francisco opted instead for the Ravens' second-round pick.

However, according to another source, the 49ers and Eagles talked about the deal, knowing that Owens wanted to be an Eagle and had the new contract worked out.

Eagles head coach and vice president of football operations Andy Reid and San Francisco general manager Terry Donahue exchanged names and picks, and Reid left it at a pick and a player for Owens, then waited for a return call from Donahue.

The call never came, and as Reid, Kearse and owner Jeffrey Lurie walked through the NovaCare Complex on the way to yesterday's press conference, they overheard on a television that Baltimore had acquired Owens.

Again, according to the one source, the Ravens and 49ers made the deal without going through Owens or his agent, which is how the league had asked the deal to go down.

Owens, who has not gotten a new deal yet from the Ravens, was not very happy about the way it played out.

"He thought he was going to be an Eagle," a source said. "He thought that's where the trade was headed. He had a deal done. He's not real happy about going to Baltimore."

Kearse, a top-flight pass rusher when healthy - and he says he's healthy - will undoubtedly help the Eagles defense. The move put a smile on the face of coordinator Jim Johnson, who has been frowning over the potential loss of free agent cornerbacks Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor and free agent linebacker Carlos Emmons.

Kearse, however, is not going to help an offense that scored three points in last year's NFC Championship Game loss and has scored one touchdown in the last two NFC title games.

Then again, if he makes as big an impact as the Eagles think he will, maybe he will score a few touchdowns. Kearse, who had to pass yesterday morning's two-hour physical to make sure the left foot and ankle injuries that plagued him the past two years were sufficiently healed, is ready to show he's worth the huge contract he signed yesterday.

"I'm out to prove the people who think I'm injury prone, or all of that, wrong," Kearse said. "My coaches know I'm not injury prone. Every coach I've ever played for knows I'm not injury prone. My peers know I'm not injury prone. I just had two very unfortunate injuries that happened really close together. It's just one of those things that are an act of God. I've gotten past it. Now I just have to go out and prove everyone wrong and show I'm not a big risk."

He only has to show the team who gave him all that money.

"My agent was talking to me the other day," Kearse said. "He was telling me about all these other teams that were interested and what it may look like and what our options were. When I spoke to a certain head coach on the phone a couple of days ago (he must have meant Wednesday, because that's the first time a team could talk to a player), he told me the situation. I thought, `Where did they come from?' It was a win-win situation. I'm just glad to have it all out of the way."

The Eagles struck a deal with Kearse faster than they have with any free agent they have ever signed. All it took was one day and a $16 million signing bonus.

"We knew we had to move quickly," Reid said. "I have to give credit to (team president) Joe Banner and Drew (Rosenhaus, Kearse's agent). They did a nice job. They knocked that thing out fast. There wasn't any hesitation with it. It worked perfectly. If you are going to get this caliber of player, you had better act fast."

The Eagles acted on Owens as well, and came very close to making it one of the biggest days in the franchise's long history.

Although it may not be over, Owens and his agent, who could have solved everything had he just written a letter to void the final three years of Owens' contract, could file a grievance.

"This one," a source said, "may have to go to Judge Wapner."

-- -- --

Kearse has always worn No. 90, but isn't getting it away from defensive tackle Corey Simon. "I don't know what number to wear," he said. "Maybe I'll just go with a blank jersey." . . . Two free agents the Eagles had interest in signed elsewhere. Cornerback Fred Thomas re-signed with New Orleans for four years and $14 million, with a $5 million signing bonus. Thomas was in Philadelphia Wednesday night. Linebacker Marcus Washington, formerly of Indianapolis, signed with Washington for $24 million over six years . . . Emmons visited the Giants and plans to meet with New Orleans and Pittsburgh over the next few days

FU Frisco... I hope that your entire fanbase catches the AIDS and dies [/end rant]

[AngryHugo]

Sounds like San Fran traded him to Baltimore just out of spite. TO and his agent are supposed to file a grievance, so this thing may not be over yet, kiddies.....

[PJ']

They don't really have a arguement though. Owens was still under contract to SF so they could trade him anywhere they wanted. There was nothing official between SF and the Eagles yet so he has no greivance. The Ravens made a better offer and the Niners took it.

[ih8Uboo-boo]

Again, according to the one source, the Ravens and 49ers made the deal without going through Owens or his agent, which is how the league had asked the deal to go down.

The league wanted the deal to be worked out with Owens and his agent first. Which the eagles did and got screwed for doing seems pretty straight forward to me.

This is just one "source" so it could be complete and utter BS but, I would think that T.O. has a legit grievance especially if the league mandated that the deal should go through Owens and his agent...

[LOGAN]

well the only thing that would lead me to believe that this is how it worked out is the fact that baltimores current qb situation isnt much better (if not worse than) san frans. at least he kinda liked rattay since he could get the ball down the field. boller is unproven and wright is about as accurate as a blind man with parkinsons. just doesnt seem like the situation he would have been looking to go for. no matter the money.

[LOGAN]

well here ius an espn article about the situation. (of coiurse its reporting on what is probably boo-boo's posted article) . so there is still no tru confirmation form either party just "insiders". and unless they made a huge promise to TO then the money coldn't have been a factor since at this point they are just paying his basic contract he had with the niners.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1751713

[SPEWEY]

This whole situation is fucked up. It's like a soap opera.

TO on The Best Damn Sports Show Period tonight. (http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?cont...ntentId=2204124)

I wonder if a trade between the Ravens and the Eagles may happen.

[PJ']

Originally posted by SPEWEY
I wonder if a trade between the Ravens and the Eagles may happen.

No possible way. It wouldn't make sense for the Ravens who when they finally get a true #1 receiver and big play threat to then just trade him. No matter how much people hate TO you can't deny his stats and he is a proven WR week in and week out. No draft pick can compensate that b/c the draft is a crap shoot to say the least.

Eagles just better pray that there is still a solid receiver on the board when they pick. Of course, last time they picked a WR in the first round it was Freddie Mitchell and we have seen how great he has turned out to be.

[SPEWEY]

Originally posted by PJ'
No possible way. It wouldn't make sense for the Ravens who when they finally get a true #1 receiver and big play threat to then just trade him. No matter how much people hate TO you can't deny his stats and he is a proven WR week in and week out. No draft pick can compensate that b/c the draft is a crap shoot to say the least.

The biggest question about TO was him being a cancer to a team. He has publicly stated that he does not want to be a Raven. Do you think the Ravens should embrace him?

They could trade him for what they gave up and more, and go after Darrell Jackson.

Originally posted by PJ'
Eagles just better pray that there is still a solid receiver on the board when they pick. Of course, last time they picked a WR in the first round it was Freddie Mitchell and we have seen how great he has turned out to be.
It's a deep draft as far as receivers are concerned. There will be one there if they were to choose that option. They need an immediate impact receiver though, and unless they trade up, they will look to sign Jackson or trade for someone.

[jaydo]

If you check out my Wackbag fantacy football name from last year you will see how I feel now .....I am cursed look Its like the third one down ::hammer: http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8839:madfire :madfire :madfire :madfire :madfire :madfire

There both gone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[SPEWEY]

Next year will your name be RattaytoLloyd? :loll2:

[jaydo]

Originally posted by SPEWEY
Next year will your name be RattaytoLloyd? :loll2:


I think more DorseytoBattle.....Cuz they stink I want them gone aswell...........With my luck it wont happen but ya never NO!!!!


P.S. Garcia is trying out for Tampabay .......... Yeah go have another beer Jeffy .G.

[LOGAN]

the ravens will not trade TO for bs like the niners. the eagles have nothing to give up to get him . the niners just wanted him out so they got him out. if i were them i wouldn't want thrash (and a 5th) or any wr from the eagles either . picks in the draft is what it came down to. if the eagles had just thrown in the first you would have him. it's no surprise TO didnt want to go to the ravens(see my earlier post).

[PJ']

Originally posted by SPEWEY
The biggest question about TO was him being a cancer to a team. He has publicly stated that he does not want to be a Raven. Do you think the Ravens should embrace him?

They could trade him for what they gave up and more, and go after Darrell Jackson.

There is a big difference in production between Jackson and TO and the Ravens would be downgrading no matter what other compensation they got if they gave up TO. The fact is, the Eagles got stingy and would only package Thrash and 5th rounder. The Ravens swooped in and offered a 2nd and that was it.

Originally posted by SPEWEY
It's a deep draft as far as receivers are concerned. There will be one there if they were to choose that option. They need an immediate impact receiver though, and unless they trade up, they will look to sign Jackson or trade for someone.

Personally, I don't think the Eagles can trade for any receivers. If they were only willing to part with a 5th and Thrash for TO what makes you think any other team is going to want a shit deal like that for a #1 receiver? Their only options are to get in the bidding war for Darrell Jackson or draft a receiver. If I were the Eagles, I would work as hard as I could and package a first and second for the Cardinals first and then draft either Williams or Fitzterald, whose ever left. The Cardinals are looking to deal down and that is the best spot to land them. Or try Jacksonville and get Roy Williams. If the Eagles were willing to go all out for Kearse, they should do the same for a receiver.

[SPEWEY]

Who said that a 5th and Thrash was all the Eagles were willing to give up? It was their initial offer which at the time nobody else had bettered until Baltimore came in. According to TO and his agent, the Eagles were never given a chance to up their offer.

There are a lot of missing pieces here. If the Eagles weren't willing to give up more than that, then they really didn't want TO and made a token gesture to the fans to act like they tried.

[wackadoo]

Originally posted by SPEWEY
Who said that a 5th and Thrash was all the Eagles were willing to give up? It was their initial offer which at the time nobody else had bettered until Baltimore came in. According to TO and his agent, the Eagles were never given a chance to up their offer. exactly! that was their first offer. i'm sure they would of uped their offer giving the chance.

and the ravens may trade TO if he's a hold out.

[wackadoo]

Originally posted by Ballbuster1
That's why the Philly sports teams always seem to lose out.
They get 1 or 2 big buck players and think that's good enough.
They never want to reach too deep into those pockets. this is a tired arguement...how can you say this with what the phillies have done the last 2 offseasons?

TO agreed to a contract with the eagles, and i am sure they opened up their wallets for him or he wouldn't agree.

[Ballbuster1]

Sorry, wack but I stand by my opinion.
Their first offer was a lowball shot for a 4 time pro-bowler.
You don't always get a 2nd chance to offer any bigger
deals later. If they wanted him that bad they should have
made their best offer 1st.

[wackadoo]

Originally posted by Ballbuster1
Sorry, wack but I stand by my opinion.
Their first offer was a lowball shot for a 4 time pro-bowler.
You don't always get a 2nd chance to offer any bigger
deals later. If they wanted him that bad they should have
made their best offer 1st. no need to apologise, but i disagree BB1. why make your best offer first? its called nagotiations(sp?).

[PJ']

The 49ers asked the Eagles for a 1st round pick for T.O. and the Eagles said no. They instead stood by their offer of a 5th and Thrash and refused to budge on it. The Niners were unwilling to part with TO for such a deal and instead looked elsewhere without notifying the Eagles or T.O. The fact is most likely after the Eagles refused to give up anything else the Niners started shopping him to other teams. The Ravens gave up their second and the Niners agreed. Trying to lowball a team however is not negotiations. It's just being a prick.

There is all this talk about T.O. not wanting to be a Raven but I'm sure that will change when Ray Lewis talks to him and besides, I'm sure if he puts up great #'s again this year, the Ravens will reward him with a better contract. The guy was injured for the last 3 games of last season and missed the Pro Bowl. You can never be too sure especially since he's 30 now.

[Ballbuster1]

PJ' wrote:Trying to lowball a team however is not negotiations. It's just being a prick.
Thank You!

[ih8Uboo-boo]

The fact is most likely after the Eagles refused to give up anything else the Niners started shopping him to other teams.

If that was the case why would the eagles have wasted their time to work out a deal??? I don't think that they do it as a dog and pony show for the fans...

I don't have a problem with the way Reid handled this. He offered a 5th and a PLAYER. Its assumed that its Thrash, when in reality it could have been anybody. If your buying a car do you just go in blindly and say "ok Mr. Salesman, I'll pay anything you want for this car?" No you try and "lowball" him and meet somewhere in the middle, that is the way deals are usually done. Its give and take that is the nature of the business. Just because its football doesn't change the fact that it's STILL BUSINESS. Would you be willing to over pay for something in your businesses???

The way I understand it went down was that the eagles left it open with the niners to get back to them. Baltimore comes in says well give you our #2, but if you hang up the deals off... They do the deal and never give the eagles a chance to counter...

T.O. Wants to be an Eagle... (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1752478)

Granted, the eagles were going to give him a new contract, where Baltimore is not...

[wackadoo]

Originally posted by ih8Uboo-boo
If that was the case why would the eagles have wasted their time to work out a deal??? I don't think that they do it as a dog and pony show for the fans...

I don't have a problem with the way Reid handled this. He offered a 5th and a PLAYER. Its assumed that its Thrash, when in reality it could have been anybody. If your buying a car do you just go in blindly and say "ok Mr. Salesman, I'll pay anything you want for this car?" No you try and "lowball" him and meet somewhere in the middle, that is the way deals are usually done. Its give and take that is the nature of the business. Just because its football doesn't change the fact that it's STILL BUSINESS. Would you be willing to over pay for something in your businesses??? thats what i've been saying!!! why offer up a 1st rounder when you may be able to get him for less?

obviously the eagles thought they had a deal or they would not of tried to sign TO to a new contract.Trying to lowball a team however is not negotiations. It's just being a prick. being a prick? what reid did WAS negotiations. you offer somebody something, they give you a counter offer, you may agree with that or you make another counter offer. this countinues until you agree or don't. thats the way it is.

[PJ']

Originally posted by wackadoo
thats what i've been saying!!! why offer up a 1st rounder when you may be able to get him for less?

The Eagles made their offer, the 49ers asked for something different, and the Eagles declined. The Niners asked for a first round pick and the Eagles were unwilling to part with it. They said no for what the Eagles offered and continued shopping.

Originally posted by wackadoo
obviously the eagles thought they had a deal or they would not of tried to sign TO to a new contract. being a prick? what reid did WAS negotiations. you offer somebody something, they give you a counter offer, you may agree with that or you make another counter offer. this countinues until you agree or don't. thats the way it is.

Yes, Reid made a offer and the Niners made a counter offer. Reid stood at his shitty offer and the Niners went elsewhere. There really is no problem with this. Andy Reid refused to part with his late 1st round pick and so he has gotten nothing. The Ravens don't have a 1st, offered their second, deal is done. You can call it negotioans all you want but when you refuse to change your shit offer in an attempt to land a big market free agent that could put your team over the hump that it hasn't been able to get over the past 3 years, you're also being dumb.

[Ballbuster1]

The bottom line is that he's not an Eagle, so
that plan didn't work. If they can work something
out later, great. But right now, lowballing the niners
has bitten Reid in the ass.

[chewonmysac]

Reports have this going to the NFL Union.
TO will be a free agent at the end of the week.
Philly fan there still is hope.

This is a TO Quote

Baltimore is the #1 STD's city in America. It sould be called Syphillismore. What a shithole. :loll2:

This is not a drunk post but a hungover post.

[ih8Uboo-boo]

It keeps getting interesting...

Players Union Expected Apeal trade??? (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1753313)

[wackadoo]

NICE!!!!! oh man, this is huge!!!


The Eagles reportedly agreed to a contract with Owens that included a signing bonus believed to be worth about $10 million and would have paid Owens more than $6 million a year. That deal was supposed to be a precursor to a trade that would have sent Owens from San Francisco to Philadelphia in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick and likely wide receiver James Thrash.

[SpotcheckBilly]

TO says he's not gonna report for a physical..

story here.. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=551&ncid=755&e=3&u=/ap/20040306/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_unhappy_owens)

[wackadoo]

NBC10 just aired an interview with him and he says he will not take the physical and has cut off contract talks with the ravens.

like john clark says "maybe.maybe....it could just happen"

[ih8Uboo-boo]

It's the longest of long shots, but it could happen.

I watched sports final and Eskin said that the eagles thought that when Donahue told them that they had a 2nd rounder on the table that they thought it was BS to try and get more out of the birds...

Looks like they guessed wrong...

[PJ']

This might be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen in my life. The Players Union is appealing the trade and they believe TO should be a FA b/c those were his intentions. Well, they were Dennis Northcutt's intentions to and his agent didn't file the paperwork and they aren't fighting for him. There is such a double standard where they only fight for the big name guys b/c when they make more money so does the Union and Gene Upshaw can contintue making such things like this huge arguments from his house in Maui. I don't understand what they have to appeal. Yes, TO wanted to void his contract but his agent didn't file the paperwork and just b/c the union is arguing that he was going to declare for it means he should be one will hurt the way free agency is run. His agent didn't do his job and yes TO should be held accountable as well b/c he hired him. Overturning the trade has barring either b/c as the guy above said, the Niners told the Eagles they had a 2nd rounder on the table from another team, Reid balked, and he went to the Ravens. If this is overturned it's really going to turn me off to the NFL for a week.


(And this isn't about hate for the Eagles as someone is going to accuse me of.)

[wackadoo]

feel free to state your opinion. its ok to debate, you may take it a little too serious, but nobody is going to fault you for it.

Before Philadelphia could complete a trade, Owens was traded to the Ravens for a second-round pick Thursday.

[chewonmysac]

The Great Kreskin has predicted that TO will be a Raven this season.
Great news for Philly Fans:biggrinfl

[ih8Uboo-boo]

Originally posted by PJ'
This might be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen in my life. The Players Union is appealing the trade and they believe TO should be a FA b/c those were his intentions. Well, they were Dennis Northcutt's intentions to and his agent didn't file the paperwork and they aren't fighting for him. There is such a double standard where they only fight for the big name guys b/c when they make more money so does the Union and Gene Upshaw can contintue making such things like this huge arguments from his house in Maui. I don't understand what they have to appeal. Yes, TO wanted to void his contract but his agent didn't file the paperwork and just b/c the union is arguing that he was going to declare for it means he should be one will hurt the way free agency is run. His agent didn't do his job and yes TO should be held accountable as well b/c he hired him. Overturning the trade has barring either b/c as the guy above said, the Niners told the Eagles they had a 2nd rounder on the table from another team, Reid balked, and he went to the Ravens. If this is overturned it's really going to turn me off to the NFL for a week.


(And this isn't about hate for the Eagles as someone is going to accuse me of.)

Dude its ok you can hate them all you want... :loll2:

Actually, the player's union changed their stance after talking directly with TO. His argument is that:

1. His agent was notified via fax of the change. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement all notices should be sent via e-mail. If the CBA clearly states that faxes are not acceptable notification then the grievance is legit, and I think that Northcutt will be included in the grievance provided its the same situation.

2. He is also taking the position that he personally should have been notified of the change.

We'll see what happens...

Lets get one thing straight, the main reason that TO wants to come to philly is that if he does he'll get a new contract, as of right now, if he stays in Baltimore he gets squat...

[PJ']

Originally posted by ih8Uboo-boo
Actually, the player's union changed their stance after talking directly with TO. His argument is that:

1. His agent was notified via fax of the change. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement all notices should be sent via e-mail. It is my understanding that faxes are not acceptable anywhere in the legal world.

2. He is also taking the position that he personally should have been notified of the change.

We'll see what happens...

Lets get one thing straight, the main reason that TO wants to come to philly is that if he does he'll get a new contract, as of right now, if he stays in Baltimore he gets squat...

I don't think 17 million over the next three years is squat but you know I'm just a college student. Also, him being notified personally is total bullshit. It was the collective bagaining agreement that changed the date of the deal to begin with so his agent and him should have known this. Of course, he only wants to go to Philly b/c he was getting a new contract and that's all this is boiling down to, is money. If this decision is reversed, it really compromises the integrity of the NFL but of course, that's just my opinion.

[ih8Uboo-boo]

I don't think 17 million over the next three years is squat but you know I'm just a college student.

Of which $0.00 is Guaranteed. The only thing guaranteed in an NFL contract is the signing bonus. Each year of the contract is a 1yr contract if the player is cut they get to keep whatever signing bonus they got along with their salary for the years that they play.

It was the collective bagaining agreement that changed the date of the deal to begin with so his agent and him should have known this.

If the CBA say that notifications should be sent via e-mail, and it was faxed thats a violation (techincially its BS). But if they agreed that the e-mail is the "official" form of communication and they sent a fax and say "oh well you were notified" where's the integrity in that...

[PJ']

Originally posted by ih8Uboo-boo
Of which $0.00 is Guaranteed. The only thing guaranteed in an NFL contract is the signing bonus. Each year of the contract is a 1yr contract if the player is cut they get to keep whatever signing bonus they got along with their salary for the years that they play.

Yes I know that and to get TO at that price for the next three years is a bargain and I'm sure they will let that deal run out.


Originally posted by ih8Uboo-boo
If the CBA say that notifications should be sent via e-mail, and it was faxed thats a violation (techincially its BS). But if they agreed that the e-mail is the "official" form of communication and they sent a fax and say "oh well you were notified" where's the integrity in that...

How do we know that he didn't recieve an e-mail? We have yet to hear the NFL's side on this matter let alone the Niners. The only people that have been talking are Upshaw, TO, and his agent. TO's agent has been ripped by everyone in the NFL for letting this deal pass by and no one has mentioned his not being notified or anything as an excuse. To automatically assume that the agent didn't received the e-mail and is just covering ass by saying it was fax is jumping to conlcusions way to early. Also I'm not aruging with your point about e-mail being the "official" form of communication. What I am saying is that the CBA changed the date the papers had to be turned in from the first week of March to Febuary 21st. The agent should have knows this himself. I don't understand why the agent would have to be notified of this date when he should have known this the DAY the CBA was signed by both the Union and the NFL. The only positive thing about this is that TO has said that if the NFL rules against this, he will report to the Ravens.

[ih8Uboo-boo]

Compromise Possible in T.O-Gate (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7177607)



The Terrell Owens saga has taken yet another curious turn.

Multiple sources within the T.O. arbitration hearing told SportsLine.com that the parties involved are discussing different settlements to resolve the situation. One scenario could include the 49ers returning the Ravens' second-round pick while receiving another pick -- likely a third-rounder from whichever team signs the Pro Bowl wideout.

In addition, the Ravens would receive another compensatory pick for their trouble in this escapade.

"I'd say there's a 50-50 chance of something like this getting agreed upon to present to the player," said one source. "There's nothing concrete yet but that's one scenario, along those lines."

Why would the Niners agree to such a settlement? They are ensured of receiving a draft pick for a player they were going to lose anyway. If the case goes to the special master's decision, they could lose out on getting anything in return other than a compensatory pick given by the league when teams lose free agents. Other settlement scenarios could also arise.

Owens has a deal in place with the Eagles, but they may not be willing to part with the draft choice named in the settlement. Their original offer called for a fifth-round selection as well as receiver James Thrash. Niners GM Terry Donahue gave the Eagles a list of players other than Thrash -- including guys such as DT Corey Simon, safety Michael Lewis, DL Brandon Whiting among others -- who could make the trade happen, but all players were denied by Philly.

Union chief Gene Upshaw, however, said that while he was unaware of the terms of any settlement, nothing could be finalized until after he personally spoke with the player.

"Before any settlement is reached or finalized I have to talk to T.O.," said Upshaw shortly after returning to his office from the hearing. "I have not had an opportunity to talk to T.O. yet. I have placed a call to him and I'm waiting to hear back."

As for the hearing itself, neither side seems to have a handle on which way the special master is leaning.

"I feel good about our case," said Upshaw. "We have a strong position and hopefully the arbitrator will see it our way. The scenario is simple. If the special master rules in T.O.'s favor, he'll be a free agent. If he rules in the 49ers' favor, he's a Raven unless something else happens. "But I can assure you that no settlement has been decided upon yet."

I'm a little skeptical about the fact that the article states that the Iggles might not sign him if they have to give up a 3rd rounder, but I have to believe that they'll do what they can to "get over the hump"...