ESPN anchor Linda Cohn Tweeted today that mercurial wide receiver Terrell Owens could become a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Now, this rumor and the coupling of Owens and the Raiders has always been bantered about – especially when he has become available. But today, in the tweet world we live in, a comment can illicit quite the reaction.

“Next stop for Terrel Owens could be the black hole and the Oakland Raiders! This according to Espn’s John Clayton,” read the twitter message.

The same Owens that has alienated Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb. The same ‘T.O’ that reportedly was at odds with Tony Romo due to his jealousy of the quarterback’s relationship with tight end Jason Witten.

To his credit, he went to Buffalo last off-season on a one-year deal and at 35 years old, he amassed a very respectable 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 TD grabs.

The Cincinnati Bengals flirted with the idea of pairing Owens with the other outlandish receiver in the league, but that was put to rest when they inked Antonio Bryant instead.

At 36, he’s a far superior target than any of the unproven wide receivers the Raiders have currently under contract. But he did look slower this past season even though he put up adequate numbers and was on his best behavior.

You know he’ll always be in good shape. And that he’ll give it his all while on the field when happy.

But can the Raiders afford to bring him in with a shaky quarterback situation and a crop of young targets that need seasoning? How would Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey get the reps needed and consistent chances to get better? Could ‘T.O’ be a model citizen for the Silver & Black?

The Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams could also be landing spots.

Justin Fargas will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday per Adam Schefter.

Warren, 31, was acquired via trade from the Denver Broncos. He’s been entrenched along the defensive line since his arrival, but Oakland has consistently been one of the worst run defenses in the league even with his addition.

He started 32-games last two seasons.

Kirk Morrison, who was a guest of Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots today on “The Sirius Blitz” on Sirius NFL Radio stated, “There are some teams we’re looking at and we’ve talked to.”

“I’m technically an Oakland Raider still. That’s No. 1,” Morrison said. “But at the same time, you have to explore your options for the future, for the long term. There are some teams out there that would be a good fit, I feel like. But we just have to wait and see.”

The linebacker did not mention any specific clubs.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we can get something done … either with the Raiders or with other teams. I know next year I’m going to be playing football. I just want to make sure I’m in the best, most comfortable position I can be in.”

Morrison, 28, can pocket up to $2.521 million if he signs the third round tender by the Raiders.

He’s been a five-year starter and has lead the team in tackles in four of those five campaigns.

Well, more than anything, their bored with the current state of the club and feel like this team has abandoned any chance at improving this off-season via free agency. With an un-capped year, the sentiment from the Oakland Raiders fan base is that they should purge themselves of all the hefty contracts and unproductive players or, bring in some big names that can instill some semblance of hope for next season.

Here are a few moves the Silver & Black should make that make football sense and will appease their following.

Get rid of JaMarcus Russell

Yes, this relationship should be ended. Russell has not shown any leadership qualities, has a poor work ethic and has been completely inept when on the field. It’s so bad, that when Bruce Gradkowski came into games, he suddenly became the almighty savior and the entire offense sparked up because there was a competent passer in control of the huddle and game plan. Russell does have serious talent. But he’ll never channel that in a positive way – especially not in Oakland. The enormity of being the 1^st overall pick, shouldering the burden of a large contract and being the focal point of an organization that was sinking rapidly was not understood by Russell. Even if he goes somewhere else and the scenery is changed, Russell just does not show any urgency to be great – that huge signing bonus is enough for him.

Acquire Troy Smith or a vet QB; let them battle with Gradkowski

Troy Smith wants out of Baltimore. He would prefer to land in Cleveland, but Oakland may be a nice option for him. Smith would re-unite with Hue Jackson – his position coach with the Ravens – and get a fair shot to start in this league. If Smith thinks he can be atop a team’s depth chart, then competing against Gradkowski should be something he should embrace. Neither Smith nor Gradkowski have the natural talent that Russell had out of college, but both have intangibles that are far more desirable for a team looking to bounce back to respectability. Both will fight for their job and will give the Raiders hope at quarterback. If not Smith, bringing in another veteran, someone who has NFL experience, as a starter and had past success, that could also be an option.

Avoid picking up any veteran FA RB

Justin Fargas was let go. Partly, because it was time for the Raiders to hand over the reigns of the offense to Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Yes, both have major question marks, whether they can stay healthy or carry the load. But eventually, they have to let both of these young players get their deserved reps and demonstrate why they were taken in the draft. Staying away from a LaDanian Tomlinson or a Larry Johnson is the key. Why bring in a veteran rusher who will want to take away carries from McFadden or Bush?

Extend Zach Miller NOW

Since my vision involves purging, why not then transfer that freed money over to a very productive player. In 2011, Miller will be a free agent. So avoid any snags and deal in good faith with the tight end by keeping him in Silver & Black for the next 5-to-6 seasons. Since entering the NFL, Miller has improved his statistics every year. Quite the feat when you consider his one of the only options that are considered a threat on offense for a very feeble attack.

Lock up Seymour

Richard Seymour would be very happy if Oakland approached him with a respectable long-term deal that will ensure a boatload of money the next few seasons. This will also help the Raiders keep a key cog on defense and a solid leader to anchor this momentous turnaround they are looking for. No, he won’t command Julius Peppers money, but a 4-5 year deal worth around $55 million with about $22-25 in guarantees could get it done.

Seneca Wallace in Cleveland muddied things for Troy Smith

According to Ken Murray of the Baltimore Sun, a good destination for quarterback Troy Smith may be the Oakland Raiders.

Smith, tendered at his original fifth-round level, has stated his desire to bolt Baltimore. His agent went as far as to say that he “would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland,” in a report by The (Canton) Repository.

Ralph Cindrich stated, “That’s clearly where his heart is. That’s where his love is. He has a great relationship in Baltimore and with the fans as long as I don’t muck it up too much. He has a great relationship with (Ravens GM) Ozzie Newsome.

“It’s just that this is where home is. In the offseason, he tells me, ‘Get me home.’”

Problem is the Browns already acquired Seneca Wallace and at this moment, may not be looking to add another passer. Unless, reports are true regarding the Browns desire to move Brady Quinn. They already parted ways with Derek Anderson and some league sources have stated that Jake Delhomme was scheduled to visit Cleveland.

Smith could be reunited with Hue Jackson in Oakland, a coach he is familiar with. Jackson will be in charge of the Silver & Black’s offense and could vouch for Smith as a potential competitor against JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski in 2010.

After visiting the bay area, tight end Anthony Becht decided to stay in Arizona, signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

California running back Jahvid Best, who posted a 4.35 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine, spoke to reporters and stated that Raider assistants Kelly Skipper (running backs) and Jim Michalczik (offensive line) chatted with him.

“They did interview me,” Best said. “I think I showed them Raiders speed.”

The former Oakland Raiders running back was cut recently and was an option for the Kansas City Chiefs before they acquired Thomas Jones.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals rusher is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins tomorrow.

Johnson, 30, was a very productive ball carrier for the Chiefs from 2004-to-2006. In 2006, he racked up 416 rushing attempts and since has not been the same. Injuries, off the field issues and a suspension that was termed “conduct detrimental to the club,” by the Chiefs marred his final years with the club that drafted him.

To what extent the Raiders are interested is unknown.

Oakland has two young running backs in Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Neither has shown the ability to carry the ball consistently over the course of 16-games, but bringing in Johnson and his questionable demeanor and adding him to the mix seems odd.

Oakland should just go with their current crop of rushers and if they have a need to add a third rusher, adding one via the draft or an undrafted free-agent may be the better option rather than a guy who had a lot of off the field concerns and is on the down side of his career,

About being on the air and disseminating information:

Anything I can do to get to the fans out in this area and a lot of Raider fans, and we’re excited.

Reflections of the Pittsburgh Steelers game – his homecoming:

Oh, it was unbelievable. To go home, be in front of all my family and friends and to get a big win against a good football team like that was unbelievable. Just for my family, in sharing that with me and just the excitement. Just the feeling we had in the locker room and as a team that we were finally coming together.

About his college career, putting up great numbers and surpassing legendary names:

Just to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys – it’s an honor. But it’s also humbling to know, I have a lot more to do in my career to even be mentioned with those guys. Being out now in the west coast, you saw what Joe Montana did out on the west coast. Hopefully one day I can do that for the Raiders. It’s definitely in my future and my goals and the dreams I have.

That was an awesome game against the Steelers, but it also would make it even more special if that was the AFC Championship game and we are going to the Super Bowl after that win. That’s kind of what I’m thinking about.

About the return of Tom Cable:

Yeah, coach Cable is going to be back. A lot of our coaching staff has stayed the same and we brought in a good coach in Hue Jackson, coming from the Baltimore Ravens, and you know, I’m excited.

Have you’ve been told Cable will be back, specifically?

We are going to work everyday like it’s the same. Coach Cable is in there working and that’s all I care about. I don’t look into details, but I just go in and take care of my own business and whoever is there I’m going to work with and we are going to do just fine.

Last season’s inconsistent play, beating the Steelers and Eagles, but failing against lesser opponents or in back-to-back games:

I think it shows that we are a good football team. And the only thing we have to work on is being consistent. And that’s the number one thing we are going to be focused on coming into this year is knowing and understanding that we are a good football team – the Oakland Raiders can compete with anyone. And we’ve proven that, we’ve showed that and now its just time to be consistent and show week-in and week-out and just prepare like that every week and believe in ourselves and know that we can get the job done just like any other team in the NFL.

What he brought to the table as oppose to JaMarcus Russell and if his leadership and work ethic was what won people over:

I think so. It was the way I’ve been raised.

Your going to get what you deserve. I believe that, so I’m just going to keep on working hard, just like I’ve been and that’s just the way my parents raised me.

I’m not really worried about how other people do their job. I’m just worried about being a professional, taking care of my own business and when the opportunity comes, just take advantage of it. And I was blessed with a good opportunity this past season.

About the situation with Russell, and how his large contract may dictate what occurs on the field:

Well, its tough. A guy like Jeff Garcia whose been in the league for years and he’s been successful, he’s never gotten the big signing bonus, the big contract that he’s deserved. And you know, its crazy how things work out in the NFL. It’s frustrating to a certain point, but you can’t worry about those things.

You just keep on working hard and good things will come. And you’ll get what you deserve. So that’s all I can really focus on.

Whether he’s officially signed?

I haven’t officially signed with them yet. They offered a second round tender. So its still free agency going on, so there are other teams out there, but in my heart, I want to be in Oakland. I believe I’ll be in Oakland and I’ll like to be here for years to come. I just feel a good presence here, especially with the fan-base we have. It’s the best in football and fans that love their team. And we need to give them something to cheer for. So that’s what I’m looking forward to changing this year and going in and having a good season.

Do you want assurance about having an open quarterback competition?

Yeah, I think that’s the way it always has to go. I believe that in any business that you are on, any field of work, competition just makes you better and the best person should be out there for the job. I think that’s the way it should take place. That’s the way it will take place and I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited for getting this opportunity and like I’ve said, competition makes you better and there’s going to be competition everywhere. It’s just the nature of the game. So I’m looking forward to it this year and I’ll love to get it from the start and see what we can do with it.

About being the underdog year in and year out and communicating with Jeff Garcia:

Yeah, that’s why I think me and Jeff have such a good relationship. I think we are so similar in so many ways. At this point in Jeff’s career, where I’m at, he wasn’t even in the NFL, he was still in Canada, so I still have to stay positive. He reminds me of that. And when the opportunity comes, take advantage of it…

If you can win football games, if you can find a way to win, I think that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter about how much skill you really have, its about does the team rally around you, do you get the job done, are you smart and the leadership role – I think that’s one of the most important things about being a quarterback.

Differences between Cable and Jon Gruden:

I think every coach is different. And that is what makes every coach unique. There is no really right way to do it – it’s your own way. And I think coach Gruden, coach Gruden wanted his hands in everything. He was the offensive coordinator, the QBs coach, he kind of did everything.

Coach Cable is more of a overseer. A discipline guy. He’s a player’s type coach. The players want to play for a coach like coach Cable. He’s easy to communicate with and he wants the best for his players. So you like playing for a coach like that. Gruden and Cable, they each have their own way and its all about how to get the job done. And I think coach Cable did a great job with us last year and so, I’m exciting in moving forward with him this year and I think there are good things in store for us.

About the Randy Hanson incident:

I think the players, we just kind of have to worry about our job.

Just coming to work everyday and letting that stuff be handle by the people that handle that situation.

It’s unusual but, I think Mr. [Al] Davis, he just wants to win. And I think he really just wants to win and he wants the best for his players.

I’m hoping our fans back us from day one, ‘cause we can use them and we need them to be a part of this year and to be a part of this thing when we turn it around.

Wide receiver Javon Walker was released per ESPN reports.

The Silver & Black signed Walker to a six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees in 2008. He tallied a putrid 15 receptions for 196 yards with one score after his first year with Oakland and then the organization restructured his deal in March of 2009 in a move that reportedly saved the club $22 million.

“We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”

The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”

He did not record any stats in 2009 and was a healthy inactive for the majority of the campaign, as he stated in September, “I’m more than healthy enough. I’m just going with the flow.”

The saga of the troubled receiver continued in January when he was subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.

Walker was with Williams on the night he was murdered on New Year’s Day 2007. Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.

“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.

Walker also miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”

There were also reports about him wanting to retire prior to his first season in Oakland and being critiqued by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.

“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.

“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”

Greg Ellis had a solid start with the Raiders before suffering knee ailments that slowed his production significantly.

The Raiders were cautious with Ellis during the workweek in practices and activated him during game days to get the most out of the aging pass rusher.

When Ellis did sit, rookie Matt Shaughnessy played admirably.

He was a solid veteran presence and his voice in the locker room will be missed.

Ellis, 34, underwent a procedure during the regular season on his knee and he said in November, “I don’t know what happened. I just know swelling, a lot of pressure going down my leg, going down my knee down my shin and my calf.”

Prior to landing in Oakland and signing a 3-year $10 million deal with $5 million in guarantees, the New England Patriots offered a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

The end finished his lone season with the Raiders tied for the team lead in sacks (7). Ellis was due $2.5 million in 2010.

Per Pro Football Talk’s web site, the 10-year pro is expected to play one more season. Becht, a very good run blocker for the Arizona Cardinals in 2009, was the 27^th overall pick of the New York Jets in the 2000 draft.

Becht has played for the Jets, Buccaneers, Rams and Cardinals.

The 32-year old has tallied 185 career catches for 1,511 yards and 21 scores.

Cornell Green (#74) could be headed to Buffalo

WIVB.com is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will meet with Oakland Raiders right tackle Cornell Green.

Green, 34, has been entrenched at right tackle for the Silver & Black the last three campaigns, tallying 38-starts. His unstable play and tendency to rack up penalties has been one of the major issues along the trenches for the Raiders.

The Bills have a need along the offensive line and Green is one option that won’t be pricey and that has starting experience.

With Khalif Barnes signed and the possibility of the Raiders targeting offensive linemen in this upcoming draft, Green’s departure will be a welcome sight to many.

UPDATE***

Green inked a a 3-year deal with the Bills.