PHILADELPHIA (April 29, 2005) -- T.O. is a no-show.
All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens skipped the Philadelphia Eagles' first minicamp practice on April 29, presumably because he wants a new contract.
Owens said several times this month he wants to renegotiate the seven-year deal he signed last March. The Eagles have refused to redo the contract worth nearly $49 million.
The flamboyant Owens helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in his first season in Philadelphia after eight years with the San Francisco 49ers. Owens set team records with 14 touchdown receptions and seven 100-yard games, and finished with 77 catches for 1,200 yards.
Owens broke his leg and severely sprained his right ankle in Week 15 against Dallas, an injury that sidelined him until the Super Bowl. He had nine catches for 122 yards in Philadelphia's 24-21 loss to the Patriots.
Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook, defensive tackle Corey Simon and wideout Freddie Mitchell also weren't at camp.
Westbrook has until June 15 to sign a one-year, $1.43 million tender. He's seeking a long-term deal, but discussions haven't been promising. Simon was offered a one-year franchise tender worth about $5.13 million, but he also wants a long-term contract.
Mitchell, a former first-round pick, has likely talked his way out of town by constantly griping about his role in the offense.
Westbrook had a breakout season for the Eagles, scoring nine touchdowns and leading the team with 1,515 total yards. Westbrook rushed for 812 yards on 177 carries and led all NFL running backs in receptions with 73 for 703 yards last season.
Simon, who went to the Pro Bowl two years ago, overcame a poor start to finish with 5½ sacks and 34 tackles last year. The Eagles considered trading him this offseason, but talks with Baltimore broke down.
