While we’re in the process of tossing out unsubstantiated hypotheses (or, as the case may be, hypothesises), here’s one that we’ve cooked up without the benefit of a league insider whispering into our ear.

We think that it wasn’t a coincidence that the limited reinstatement of Pacman Jones was announced only a couple of hours before word broke of a new contract for receiver Terrell Owens.

Specifically, we think that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is trying to encourage Owens to take Pacman under his wing, since T.O. might be one of the few people on the planet capable of exerting a positive influence over Pacman.

Forgotten in the aftermath of the Cowboys-Titans game in 2006, during which Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth dropped a cleat on the forehead of Dallas center Andre Gurode, is that Pacman asked T.O. for his cleats after the game ended.

And so perhaps T.O. and Pacman will ultimately form a Batman and Robin type of a bond, with Owens providing the male role model that Pacman simply hasn’t had — ever — in his life.

Then again, maybe Owens will go back to being the pre-Dallas T.O., now that he’s bagged $13 million in guaranteed money as part of the four-year, $34 million deal.  One astute reader thinks that Owens’ recent criticisms of former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells is the first step in a process that will result in Owens eventually criticizing current members of the organization, including at some point his (sniff) quarterback.

As the reader explained, giving Owens financial security is the equivalent of pulling the string on a talking doll.

The reader might be right.  Either way, our popcorn is ready.