PHILADELPHIA - In the end, Terrell Owens got his wish. He'll play next season for the Eagles.
In a deal made Tuesday just before an arbitrator was to rule on Owens' claims to be a free agent, the Eagles ensured they would get the moody wide receiver by sending defensive end Brandon Whiting to San Francisco and a fifth-round pick to Baltimore.
Owens then agreed to a seven-year deal with Philadelphia.
"I'm so excited to be here and to play with D-Mac," said Owens, who has played with Donovan McNabb in the Pro Bowl three times. "I feel like I fit in real nice here.
"I'm comfortable with the West Coast offense. The touchdowns I've had in the Pro Bowl, Donovan has thrown them to me. That just comes with two athletes going out there and making plays, just chemistry in the making."
Thus ended a two-week saga that began when the NFL ruled Owens was not a free agent because his agent, David Joseph, failed to file by Feb. 21 to void the final years of his contract with the 49ers. San Francisco then traded Owens to the Ravens for a second-round pick.
But Owens, who agreed to a $10-million signing bonus with Philadelphia thinking he would be traded there, refused to report to Baltimore. And the NFL players union filed a grievance on his behalf seeking arbitration.
The case was heard Monday by Stephen Burbank, the designated arbitrator. But before he could rule, the deal was made, brokered by Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, and Harold Henderson, head of the league's Management Council.
San Francisco originally wanted Whiting when it was talking trade with Philadelphia for Owens. Now it has its man.
"It's exciting when you're on a team that's young and has a lot of possibilities," Whiting said. "I know they've lost some players, but I know there're 60 other guys there that want to win some football games."
BILLS: Backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt was released after he failed a physical examination.
BRONCOS: Kordell Stewart was interviewed as a potential backup quarterback.
CHARGERS: San Diego obtained cornerback Jamar Fletcher, a former first-round draft pick, from Miami as the player to be named in Monday's trade that sent wide receiver David Boston to the Dolphins. Running back-return man Leon Johnson was re-signed.
COWBOYS: Quarterback Drew Henson signed an eight-year contract, the latest step in his transition from baseball to football. Henson's agent, Tom Condon of IMG Football, said the contract will be submitted today to the NFL Management Council for its approval.
DOLPHINS: Miami signed offensive tackle Damien McIntosh, a former Charger, and return man Terrence Wilkins, who played for Indianapolis last season. ... Running back Ricky Williams returned from vacation in Australia without his distinctive dreadlocks. Now he's bald.
JAGUARS: Jacksonville signed kicker Jeff Chandler, released last year by San Francisco. The Jaguars also re-signed defensive tackle Matt Leonard.
PATRIOTS: New England re-signed fullback Patrick Pass and safety Je'Rod Cherry, a star on special teams.
RAIDERS: Rich Gannon is progressing in his recovery from shoulder surgery and the team is optimistic its veteran quarterback will be ready for a mandatory minicamp late next month.
SAINTS: Fullback Sam Gash, a 12-year veteran who played for Buffalo last season, was signed. Veteran cornerback Dale Carter was among three players cut.
NFL EUROPE: The NFL Network will televise 22 games this season, beginning with Amsterdam versus Frankfurt at 8 p.m. April 3.
