Posted on 10/17/2006 10:38:41 AM PDT by VaBthang4
MOSS TO PATS RUMORS GATHERING STEAM
Our network of NFL sources is buzzing with talk that the New England Patriots are trying to work a trade with the Raiders for receiver Randy Moss. "It's getting strong," a league source told us a little while ago.
The trading deadline is 4:00 p.m. EDT today.
A week ago our sleuthing could turn up no proof that such a move was possible. But the same gut feeling that had us convinced Neil Rackers would miss that late-game field goal last night for the Cardinals has us thinking that Moss could be making the trip to Massachusetts soon.
Then again, it was that same gut feeling that told us the Raiders would advance to the Super Bowl in Randy's first year with the team.
On Monday, Patriots receiver Doug Gabriel, who was traded from Oakland to New England several weeks back, talked openly about reuniting with Moss. "He can be a fit in this offense because he's a guy who loves to work," Gabriel said. "If Randy was here, he'd make every other receiver want to pick up their game. He made me step my game up. He came and gave us a big push -- not just a small push, a big push -- and made us step up our game."
The obvious argument against such a trade is that the turd-averse Patriots wouldn't want a guy like Moss around. But that same claim could be made about running back Corey Dillon, who was a turd extraordinaire in Cincinnati before being traded to the Pats.
The possible difference is that Randy's turdishness comes from a desire to win games, and a guy like Terrell Owens is more of a me-first, me-only problem child. If our thinking is accurate, then Moss and Dillon have a lot in common.
Besides, we think the Pats realize that the receiver position attracts and/or creates prima donnas. Hell, they drafted Chad Jackson, whom one team took back to the airport early after a horrendous visit in which his cell phone went off twice during a meeting with the head coach. At one point during the visit with said team, Jackson muttered, "I don't want to play here anyway."
The thinking (we think) is that Moss can be influenced by the leadership structure already in place, including quarterback Tom Brady, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, and coach Bill Belichick.
Another consideration is the compensation to the Raiders. The Pats already have an extra first-round pick, courtesy of the Deion Branch trade. And if Moss still has his magic, the notion of essentially trading Moss for Branch is a major upgrade, in our view.
Finally, Moss would have to be willing to restructure his contract, which includes salaries of $9.75 million in 2007 and $11.25 million in 2008. The Pats likely would want to move a lot of that money into a signing bonus (or a 2006 roster bonus), reducing the cap hits in coming years -- and possibly extending the contract into 2009 and beyond.
It's a gutsy move for all concerned, but it might be the best thing for everyone involved. The Pats can reload for another Super Bowl run. The Raiders can start to build for the future by getting value for a guy they might have had to cut in the offseason. And Moss can take the stick out of his butt and chase a championship again.
Pats dont like to pay their playmakers i'd be suprised at this.. although, i'd take a paycut to get off the Raiders.. (ehh... maybe not, Raiders will have a better QB and line next year hopefully just relax and do your job)
This could put Kerry Healey over the top. When will Bellichick start campaigning for her?
This would make Moss happy. I do not understand it from the Raiders standpoint. It would make sense to trade Porter who is not playing. Davis is strange.
I was hoping Dallas could trade TO for Moss. karma..
Like T.O., Moss is poison to the team concept. If the Pats want to commit suicide and forget the post season, I suppose Moss is the ticket as he'll grab a few t.d.s tossed his way...but, if the Patriots want to continue to be like a rolling stone through the NFL, they should remember that Rolling Stones should gather no Moss.
The Raiders are a disgrace to football.
Already debunked;
http://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/192055/detail.html
Chad Jackson second round draft pick who has not worked out may go for Moss.
Make sure to bundle up for another parade in Boston in Feb.
There. Fixed it.
No way this will happen.
"if the Patriots want to continue to be like a rolling stone through the NFL, they should remember that Rolling Stones should gather no Moss."
Oh thats good!
And at 4-1 why do they think they need Moss?
LOL!
What would be an absolute killer for other AFC teams is if the Pats screw around and land both Moss and Porter.
Ugh...
Easy on Florio. He actually nails it more times than not and besides, its only a rumor. PFT is a great website for football fans with lots of entertaining commentary.
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LOL! Good point. With all the Patriots are working through this season, I'm not sure that the added burden of a player like Moss is a wise idea.
Would be a good move for Mr. Moss.
NFL ping
It must be killing Tom Brady to see what Deion Branch is doling for the Seahawks.
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