Could Randy Moss Revive The Vikings Super Bowl Hopes?

Added on Oct 06, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

If we are to believe the reports, the Patriots are shopping disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss, with Minnesota as the likely destination. I’m not sure there’s enough room in the Metrodome for Moss and Brett Favre’s gargantuan-sized egos, but it sure would make for another fascinating chapter in the careers of both superstars. As surprising as this deal seems, upon further inspection it’s one that makes perfect sense for the Patriots and Vikings.

On the Pats side, it’s clear they have no intention of resigning the 33-year-old Moss after his contract expires after this season. He’s been whining about what he considers a lack of appreciation and respect from the organization since week one, and if his on-field performance is any indication, he appears to be more unmotivated than usual.

In Monday night’s victory over the Dolphins, Randy posted a big fat goose egg: 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 touchdowns. Through four games, he has registered only nine grabs for 139 yards and three scores. Wes Welker, Brandon Tate and rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez all have more receptions than Moss, although Welker is the only one to find the end zone. In addition, recently acquired running back/receiver Danny Woodhead is seeing more playing time each week.

Should New England pull the trigger, there will be a gaping hole in their downfield passing attack. Tate and Hernandez have each displayed big play ability, but neither is proven. Welker, Woodhead and Julian Edelman are underneath route runners, not field stretchers. That being said, Bill Belichick isn’t too fond of malcontents, so dumping Moss would rid him of a problem child, even at the cost of offensive production.

As for the Vikings, well, they are in desperate need of a legit playmaker. Sidney Rice is still on crutches, Percy Harvin is battling migraines and Bernard Berrian is awful. Take away Visanthe Shiancoe and Adrian Peterson and they have no one else to scare defenses. Apologies to the pathetic Greg Lewis and underwhelming Hank Baskett.

If this is indeed Brett Favre’s last hurrah, then he’s going to need a player with Moss’s talents to be effective. Prior to Moss being dealt by the Raiders in 2007, Favre lobbied hard for Packers management to bring him aboard. He referred to Moss as the the most feared player in the league. Considering how poor Favre has looked so far in 2010, it’s safe to say a move for Moss would brighten his mood, not to mention the Super Bowl aspirations for the purple and gold.

As with most potential trades, this one will hinge on money. Moss wants a long-term deal that will pay him on par with the league’s other elite receivers. However, a cloudy future at quarterback could cause him to balk. Also, the Vikings could be hesitant to commit years and cash to an aging player, especially without a new CBA in place.

Right now, it’s all speculation. I’m not sure the Pats can afford to take the hit, but Belichick is the master and rarely makes personnel blunders. Meanwhile, the Vikings would improve dramatically with Moss in the fold. Will it happen? I’d put the odds at 50-50.