Marvin Lewis says T.O. would provide a "proven threat"

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bengals admitted Monday they've made an offer to veteran receiver Terrell Owens.

"We've talked to him, it's in his court. We'll see whether he decides to come here because he has other options" said Bengals President Mike Brown.

Both Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis talked about Owens at the team's annual pre-training camp luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium on Monday.

"In our opinion" said Brown, "he'll help us. He would make us a more threatening team."  

Lewis said Owens would give the Bengals "another threat, a proven threat."

Owens reportedly was also being courted by the St. Louis Rams. However, Monday afternoon several media outlets reported that the Rams were out of the Owens sweepstakes.

Brown said that he spent time personally with Owens when he worked out for the team in March. "I was taken by him as a person and I trust what I see" said Brown.

Some feel that Owens could be disruption on a Bengals team that swept all its games in the AFC North Division in 2009.  Lewis doesn't fear that because "we have a strong-minded quarterback."

Lewis noted that if Owens signs with the Bengals, they would present three or four quality players at the line of scrimmage, causing great difficulties for the defense. "So you're gonna have to wait your snaps" said Lewis, "wait your turn and feel good about that, feel good about winning."  Lewis says Owens convinced him he could be that type of player.

The Bengals report to training camp in Georgetown, Kentucky on Wednesday.