185 replies to this topic

[soxhop411]

Earlier this morning, receiver Randy Moss said he’s returning to football. And so the question now becomes whether any of the 32 NFL teams will give him a chance.
He’ll have to prove that he can still run, just like he did in 2007, when he showed Patriots coach Bill Belichick that he could still move incredibly quickly after two years of not doing much of that in Oakland. If, and given that he’s 35 it could be a big if, Randy can run, the Patriots could be the most obvious destination.
The Patriots, we’re told, still like him. As Peter King pointed out in August 2011, Moss made a surprise appearance at the home of owner Robert Kraft in the days after the passing of his wife, Myra.
If Moss can indeed still run, the Pats could have used him eight days ago. With someone who can stretch a defense deep, plenty of openings would have appeared for guys like Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski.
Whether it’s the Pats or someone else, don’t be surprised if teams line up quickly for a chance to kick the tires of a man who’s ninth on the all-time receptions list, fifth on the all-time yardage list, and tied for second (with Terrell Owens) on the all-time receiving touchdowns list. Since Randy was a free agent when he retired, he’s not under contract. He can sign immediately, with any team.
We’ve got a feeling he won’t be signing with the Allen Wranglers.

http://profootballta...-team-to-watch/
http://profootballta...es-coming-back/


Which teams do you think will go after Moss? will the pats really be interested?

[drleather2001]

Randy Moss is not coming back to the Patriots.

For, like, the 975th time.

This is reaching "Elvis is alive, I just know it!" levels of delusion.

Edited by drleather2001, 13 February 2012 - 10:51 AM.

[kenneycb]

So he's broke too?

[Salva135]

And in other news, Oil Can has announced he's returning to MLB. He's free to sign with any team, immediately.

[soxhop411]

Would the jets be an option for moss?

[steveluck7]

Would the jets be an option for moss?

With that o-line, how many times would Sanchez get sacked waiting for Moss to get behind the D?

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Only Florio could intimate that the Pats could have used Moss during the SB. For crissakes.

He can't run any more. Ocho's got more to offer than Moss (in fact the longest play for the Pats all game was the catch by Ocho).

[Gambler7]

Greg A. Bedard @GregABedard
Patriots could have had Randy Moss this season if they wanted and passed. Unlikely to change now.

Greg A. Bedard @GregABedard
One reason why it's still possible: Bill O'Brien is out, and Josh McDaniels is in. But I would expect them to go elsewhere. Fallback maybe

Edited by Gambler7, 13 February 2012 - 11:45 AM.

[Shelterdog]

Two teams dumped him in 2010 and he got no playing time with a third; he had only 28 receptions. No one wanted to sign him in 2011.

What possible reason is there to think that he's able to be a meaningful NFL contributor this year at age 35?

[Trlicek's Whip]

Would the jets be an option for moss?

Depends on what kind of deal Moss wants. I don't sense this is a "I'll play for the minimum" kind of unretirement.

But as a Pats fan, I would hope Rex Ryan would be all-in on Randy Moss.

[jsinger121]

Two teams dumped him in 2010 and he got no playing time with a third; he had only 28 receptions. No one wanted to sign him in 2011.

What possible reason is there to think that he's able to be a meaningful NFL contributor this year at age 35?

I bet he get the Terrell Owens treatment this coming season in which nobody signs him and see's him as a malcontent.

[Lose Remerswaal]

Shouldn't this thread be titled "Randy Moss really really really wants to return to the NFL"?

Otherwise, that's a big honkin' assumption.

[E5 Yaz]

Lose is right, but let's play.

You know who could use Moss, if he has anything left in the tank ... the 49ers.

[Salva135]

The NFLPA wouldn't go for the kind of deal I would require to sign Moss.

[collings94]

Moss will buy his own Indoor Football League team to compete with T.O.

In all honesty, I think Moss COULD come back and play at a high level because he is an absolutely incredible athlete and he can do things that us mere mortals cannot. If (and thats a pretty big if) he is motivated to play at a high level, he can easily contribute to a good team.

[sleepyjose03]

Meh - the guy is 46 catches away from 1000, is less than 200 yards away from 15k, and if TO doesnt ever play again Moss can take over sole possession of 2nd all time on the Rec TD list. Hell - if he can get another 1100 yards over a year or two he can take 2nd all time on the Rec yards list from TO as well. Somebody will sign him to make a press event out of him reaching some of those milestones.

Shit - I would like to see him back in Minny, provided he can keep his attitude in check and will sign the right deal*. Would be nice to be able to see him get to those statistical milestones wearing purple & gold.


* - I realize this is likely to be an impossible to meet caveat.

[Koufax]

He could be an average WR, a commodity in short supply on the NE Patriots. Could it be his awful performance at that fancy dinner with the Krafts that makes him unsignable here?

[BoredViewer]

Last we saw of Moss, he wasn't really getting open.

[ilol@u]

Give me Randy Moss. Randy Moss at age 35 will still be better than next seasons Deion Branch, Julian Edelman, Tiquan Underwood and Chad Ochocinco. At least Randy knows the system, and knows the "Patriot Way". Will he be flying past triple coverage for a bomb? Probably not. But he has always had great hands, good football IQ and will at least force a double team by every team (excluding the Jets).

How about this for a fairy tale ending? Patriots sign Randy Moss, go 16-0 in the regular season, meet up with the Giants in the Superbowl, and obliterate them.

[kenneycb]

And then will it start raining cupcakes and sprinkles and cupcakes with sprinkles?

[Trlicek's Whip]

Give me Randy Moss. Randy Moss at age 35 will still be better than next seasons Deion Branch, Julian Edelman, Tiquan Underwood and Chad Ochocinco. At least Randy knows the system, and knows the "Patriot Way". Will he be flying past triple coverage for a bomb? Probably not.

I'm not slavishly in the "this team is missing a deep threat" camp. But even if they want a better change of pace than Slater to make play-action more effective, Moss isn't the answer anymore for this bolded reason. And (as Shelterdog stated) he's not morphing into a possession over-the-middle receiver like Branch or Welker or Ocho.

If he's just trading out Ocho or Branch like so many deck chairs on the Titanic, then why chase him at all? Since (I'm guessing since he's unretiring) that his asking price is still with deep threat perception and future HoF inflation.

How about this for a fairy tale ending? Patriots sign Randy Moss, go 16-0 in the regular season, meet up with the Giants in the Superbowl, and obliterate them.

I should have read the entire post before responding. I didn't realize it was parody.

Edited by Trlicek's Whip, 13 February 2012 - 05:36 PM.

[Shelterdog]

Could all you guys who think Moss can be an average NFL WR or can still draw double teams explain why you think he's that good now? Did someone you know work him out and watch him run a 4.31 40? Have you watched the all-22 film of him from 2010 and decide the NFL GMs (who all declined to give him a job in 2011) were just wrong? Does he still have a high madden rating?

EDIT: Let alone the obvious question "do you have space on your roster for a backup wideout who doesn't play special teams, is bad in the locker room, takes off plays, and won't go over the middle"?

Edited by Shelterdog, 13 February 2012 - 05:19 PM.

[phragle]

No, he's not even in Madden.

[Judge Mental13]

I'd rather have almost literally any WR on the FA list ahead of Moss.

Any WR, that is, except for Eddie Royal.

If this offseason goes horribly, horribly wrong and it comes down to a choice of Eddie Royal or Randy Moss to be one of the Patriots top 2 receivers we will all remember it as "The Day Tom Brady took his own life".

[ilol@u]

I'd rather have almost literally any WR on the FA list ahead of Moss.

[Judge Mental13]

No thanks but I'll take Andre

[BucketOBalls]

Randy Moss is not coming back to the Patriots.

For, like, the 975th time.

This is reaching "Elvis is alive, I just know it!" levels of delusion.

Yup. I mean, in Pats terms he's probably a minor upgrade on Slater....but I can't see him being willing to take that role. I don't think he's a top 3(on a team, not overall) reciever anymore and I don't think he'd take a lesser role.

[Titoschew]

Give me Randy Moss. Randy Moss at age 35 will still be better than next seasons Deion Branch, Julian Edelman, Tiquan Underwood and Chad Ochocinco. At least Randy knows the system, and knows the "Patriot Way". Will he be flying past triple coverage for a bomb? Probably not. But he has always had great hands, good football IQ and will at least force a double team by every team (excluding the Jets).

How about this for a fairy tale ending? Patriots sign Randy Moss, go 16-0 in the regular season, meet up with the Giants in the Superbowl, and obliterate them.

What will Randy turn into at midnight?

[TheRooster]

Two teams dumped him in 2010 and he got no playing time with a third; he had only 28 receptions. No one wanted to sign him in 2011.

What possible reason is there to think that he's able to be a meaningful NFL contributor this year at age 35?

Because he was the greatest deep threat in the history of the NFL, because he's 35 not 38 and because Jerry Rice had 1,000 yard seasons at ages 39 and 40.

I don't really expect him back with NE, but those are the reasons it is thread worthy.

[Tyrone Biggums]

Yup. I mean, in Pats terms he's probably a minor upgrade on Slater....but I can't see him being willing to take that role. I don't think he's a top 3(on a team, not overall) reciever anymore and I don't think he'd take a lesser role.

If you actually want to get technical he would have been a top 3 WR on the Pats this year...Welker Branch Moss...if you think Slater and Ocho would be better bets then I dunno what else to say. We need another wide receiver and if we strike out on all of the top options out there and we can bring him back on short money, then why not?

[Lose Remerswaal]

Could all you guys who think Moss can be an average NFL WR or can still draw double teams explain why you think he's that good now? Did someone you know work him out and watch him run a 4.31 40? Have you watched the all-22 film of him from 2010 and decide the NFL GMs (who all declined to give him a job in 2011) were just wrong? Does he still have a high madden rating?

EDIT: Let alone the obvious question "do you have space on your roster for a backup wideout who doesn't play special teams, is bad in the locker room, takes off plays, and won't go over the middle"?

Because even though he's at least average, so we should get him, no one else would want him because in their cities, all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the wideouts are above average

[BigSoxFan]

Phase 1: Sign Moss, sign TO, retain Ocho

Phase 2: ???

Phase 3: Profit

[Ferm Sheller]

In that scenario, "Phase 2" is likely Tiki Barber.

[Caspir]

If you actually want to get technical he would have been a top 3 WR on the Pats this year...Welker Branch Moss...if you think Slater and Ocho would be better bets then I dunno what else to say. We need another wide receiver and if we strike out on all of the top options out there and we can bring him back on short money, then why not?

If you actually want to get technical, no he wouldn't have been. But let's grant you that point for a second, just for fun. That would have made him the fifth option in the passing game, and more or less an Ocho clone from a production standpoint. What good would it have done to have an aging Randy Moss, a man who hasn't commanded double teams or scared a DB in two years as opposed to a guy like Slater who can contribute significantly to the special teams? If he would have been a number three on the Patriots, then that means he would have been a number three or four receiver on like 90% of the teams in the NFL, so how come nobody else bothered with him? And somehow, the Patriots WR3 to be couldn't do something that the guys you named above did do. Namely, stepping on an NFL football field during a game.

I love Randy Moss, and watching him and Brady just toy with defenses in 2007 was on of the greatest sports memories I've ever had. He just isn't good enough anymore, and it seems like some people froze time somewhere in 2007/2008 and think that Moss is that guy. He is not that guy anymore, and since he can't contribute to the passing game, and doesn't contribute anywhere else on the field, he has minimal value.

[dcmissle]

Could all you guys who think Moss can be an average NFL WR or can still draw double teams explain why you think he's that good now? Did someone you know work him out and watch him run a 4.31 40? Have you watched the all-22 film of him from 2010 and decide the NFL GMs (who all declined to give him a job in 2011) were just wrong? Does he still have a high madden rating?

EDIT: Let alone the obvious question "do you have space on your roster for a backup wideout who doesn't play special teams, is bad in the locker room, takes off plays, and won't go over the middle"?

Did you see this? -- http://profootballta...till-run-a-4-3/

lol

[Shelterdog]

Did you see this? -- http://profootballta...till-run-a-4-3/

lol

Oh yes, off-season, when everyone who wants a new NFL contract is in the best shape of their life. Especially Moss.

This happened last off-season (when he wanted a contract, didn't get any offers, and "retired" http://www.kffl.com/...in-great-shape-) and 2010 (http://profootballta...-contract-year/ also http://www.patriotsg...eason-workouts/)

[LMontro]

Not sure what Moss has left but I will say that MossTV is entertaining

[Tyrone Biggums]

If you actually want to get technical, no he wouldn't have been. But let's grant you that point for a second, just for fun. That would have made him the fifth option in the passing game, and more or less an Ocho clone from a production standpoint. What good would it have done to have an aging Randy Moss, a man who hasn't commanded double teams or scared a DB in two years as opposed to a guy like Slater who can contribute significantly to the special teams? If he would have been a number three on the Patriots, then that means he would have been a number three or four receiver on like 90% of the teams in the NFL, so how come nobody else bothered with him? And somehow, the Patriots WR3 to be couldn't do something that the guys you named above did do. Namely, stepping on an NFL football field during a game.

I love Randy Moss, and watching him and Brady just toy with defenses in 2007 was on of the greatest sports memories I've ever had. He just isn't good enough anymore, and it seems like some people froze time somewhere in 2007/2008 and think that Moss is that guy. He is not that guy anymore, and since he can't contribute to the passing game, and doesn't contribute anywhere else on the field, he has minimal value.

Yes, but we aren't talking about special teams we are talking about being a wideout in the NFL, which Matthew Slater has never shown that he would be particularly good at. Saying that Moss at 35 could make more of an impact in 2012 as a wide receiver than Matthew Slater or Ochocinco isn't a stretch by any means. The Patriots or any other team in the NFL that signs him should not expect Moss to be "THE GUY" anymore, but he could come in and certainly contribute more than Ocho did in 2011.

Edited by Tyrone Biggums, 14 February 2012 - 09:10 AM.

[Tyrone Biggums]

Not sure what Moss has left but I will say that MossTV is entertaining

I still think Stephon Marbury has the dude beat, now that TV was entertaining!

[Shelterdog]

The Patriots or any other team in the NFL that signs him should not expect Moss to be "THE GUY" anymore, but he could come in and certainly contribute more than Ocho did in 2011.

For like the tenth time how do you know that? He was next to worthless in 2010-he wasn't even getting on the field by the end of the season-and no team saw fit to play him in 2011.

[Hendu for Kutch]

I'm not suggesting the Patriots sign him, but wasn't the story that Moss had offers to play last year, just none that he liked for either team or money reasons? If he's willing to relax those restrictions, I could certainly see him getting a job somewhere.

[Shelterdog]

I'm not suggesting the Patriots sign him, but wasn't the story that Moss had offers to play last year, just none that he liked for either team or money reasons? If he's willing to relax those restrictions, I could certainly see him getting a job somewhere.

That was his agent's story, but there was no reporting confirming that it was true.

[Tyrone Biggums]

For like the tenth time how do you know that? He was next to worthless in 2010-he wasn't even getting on the field by the end of the season-and no team saw fit to play him in 2011.

Well you have one guy who is worthless as a wideout (but a good special teamer) and the other that caught a grand total of 15 passes for something like 287 yards...Moss when he had "nothing left" in 2010 still had 393 yards and 5 TD's. This isn't a reach to say that hes better than either as a wide receiver. Again if someone is bringing him in to be their #1 option then they'll more than likely be very disappointed, however as a #3 WR he wouldn't be that bad. At short money, why not take the risk? If he goes somewhere else, best of luck to him. If he plays I think he's capable of getting over 500 yards receiving somewhere if he really has something left. The problem with Moss is that hes checked out a lot in his career so you cannot tell whether the guy was really done or if he was just completely checked out. Is he an all pro anymore? absolutely not. But I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back and becomes a solid contributer somewhere.

Edited by Tyrone Biggums, 14 February 2012 - 09:32 AM.

[drleather2001]

Ocho's competition for passing yards in 2011: All-world Welker, All-world Gronk, Excellent Hernandez, Reliable Branch.

Moss's competition for passing yards in 2010: All-world Welker, rookie Gronk, rookie/ailing Hernandez, Julian Edelman.

Edited by drleather2001, 14 February 2012 - 09:34 AM.

[Tyrone Biggums]

Ocho's competition for passing yards in 2011: All-world Welker, All-world Gronk, Excellent Hernandez, Reliable Branch.

Moss's competition for passing yards in 2010: All-world Welker, rookie Grong, rookie/ailing Hernandez, Julian Edelman.

Ocho also had trouble picking up the offense this year. I see where you are coming from here and its understandable, but if Ocho had anything left he would have gotten more than 15 catches this year. Because of what happened with Minnesota (1st time) and Oakland before he was traded, everyone felt this guy was done when he just checked out. I'm not saying that is what happened with Moss in 2010, but its very possible that he has something left and he just absolutely decided for whatever reason to shut it down in 2010. I think the guy can and probably will sign with a team in the off season, will it be in New England? Probably not but who really knows, I still think he offers more on the field than Ochocinco.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I disagree. At least Ocho was a good soldier and by every account a hard worker off the field. I would rather have him back than Moss, who is longer longer great and proved to be troublesome at the end.

[Tyrone Biggums]

I disagree. At least Ocho was a good soldier and by every account a hard worker off the field. I would rather have him back than Moss, who is longer longer great and proved to be troublesome at the end.

This is the only reservation with Moss I would have as him being a WR3. If the guy can make peace with the fact hes not an All Pro and could be had for short money then someone should bring him in. If he acts up then obviously cut him.

But my original point was that Moss could be an option if the Pats strike out on all of the other big options out there. The best way to get a WR would still be in the draft.

[Trlicek's Whip]

But my original point was that Moss could be an option if the Pats strike out on all of the other big options out there.

And, as stated above, Moss was willing to be the 3WR at best for NE. Between his probably not wanting to do that and the need/perception around the league, he probably won't have to. Someone else can surely slot him in as a WR2 or better for 2012. So it's unlikely he'd end up here unless everyone else in the NFL passes.

[dcmissle]

Oh yes, off-season, when everyone who wants a new NFL contract is in the best shape of their life. Especially Moss.

This happened last off-season (when he wanted a contract, didn't get any offers, and "retired" http://www.kffl.com/...in-great-shape-) and 2010 (http://profootballta...-contract-year/ also http://www.patriotsg...eason-workouts/)

Interestingly, Chris Carter has always had a big problem with Moss and it concerns his mentality.

When the going gets tough, Moss gets discouraged and quits. He quit on the Vikings in a playoff game against the Giants. He quit on the Raiders during his lost years in Oakland. And if he didn't quit during his 2010 tour through NE/Minn/Tenn, he disappeared.

This happens not because Moss is a bad guy. For the most part, he's a good guy and certainly a smart guy. It happens because Moss simply cannot process struggling on the field. There is a strong argument to be made that he is the best athlete who ever put on an NFL uniform. Struggling athletically is beyond his comprehension.

We've seen this movie several times, more often with QBs, and it's sad. You want no part of a 35 yr old all time great who is struggling. I imagine that is the very last thing BB wants, esp since he's still probably scratching his head over Ocho.

Edited by dcmissle, 14 February 2012 - 09:54 AM.

[Shelterdog]

Well you have one guy who is worthless as a wideout (but a good special teamer) and the other that caught a grand total of 15 passes for something like 287 yards...Moss when he had "nothing left" in 2010 still had 393 yards and 5 TD's. This isn't a reach to say that hes better than either as a wide receiver. Again if someone is bringing him in to be their #1 option then they'll more than likely be very disappointed, however as a #3 WR he wouldn't be that bad. At short money, why not take the risk? If he goes somewhere else, best of luck to him. If he plays I think he's capable of getting over 500 yards receiving somewhere if he really has something left. The problem with Moss is that hes checked out a lot in his career so you cannot tell whether the guy was really done or if he was just completely checked out. Is he an all pro anymore? absolutely not. But I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back and becomes a solid contributer somewhere.

You know Ocho had 67 receptions for 831 yards in 2010-he was a lot better than Randy that year. Unless you know that Ocho slipped more than Randy I don't see how you can say 2011 or 2012 Randy would be better than Ocho.

Randy Moss is probably a much better receiver than Slater

Edited by Shelterdog, 14 February 2012 - 10:08 AM.