According to the NFL Management Council, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens failed to file the necessary paperwork soon enough this week to become an unrestricted free agent. By missing the deadline, Owens remains under contract to the 49ers through 2006. His agent, David Joseph, is expected to file a grievance.

Also missing a key deadline was Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dennis Northcutt. The Browns announced Thursday that Northcutt's agent failed to void the final three years of his contract by the February 19th deadline, keeping him under contract until 2006 as well.