The Patriots [team stats]
have traded star receiver Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings, the
Herald has learned, completing a mega deal that just a few days ago
seemed implausible.
Now, it is reality.
The Patriots have received a 2011 third-round pick in exchange for Moss, sources say. Moss was originally traded to the Pats in 2007 for a fourth rounder.
Moss heads back to the Vikings, the franchise that drafted him in
1998, allowing him to finally play with legendary quarterback Brett
Favre. Moss has family that lives in Minnesota, and even though he said
he would have liked a contract extension from the Patriots, sources
close to him say he welcomes the idea of returning.
Moss has not yet begun contract talks with the Vikings on a new extension. He is in the final year of a three-year, $27 million contract.
The Patriots will move on from the future Hall of Famer and perhaps the NFL’s best deep threat. The player who lit up the scoreboard in 2007 with 23 touchdown passes ended his Patriots career with no catches in the Monday win over the Dolphins.
But what he did accomplish was significant. Moss caught 50 touchdown passes in 52 games with the Patriots, to go along with 3,904 receiving yards. Pats coach Bill Belichick, with whom Moss still has a strong relationship, called Moss this morning to tell him the news.
Without Moss, all eyes turn to youngsters such as Brandon Tate and perhaps 2010 third-round pick Taylor Price. Either way, expect Tom Brady [stats]’s offense to continue to feature two tight end sets and target Wes Welker as much as it has been doing.
Moss requested a trade from New England following Week 1, believing he wasn’t in the Patriots’ future plans. He had said he wanted to retire a Patriot but understood that may not happen.
“I’m 33 years old,” Moss said earlier this season. “I’m on my way out of this league. I’m not into it. As far as financial security for me and my family, I think that’s something we need right now. My contract is over, I would like a new one. It’s as simple as that.”
By Ian R. Rapoport
Moss has not yet begun contract talks with the Vikings on a new extension. He is in the final year of a three-year, $27 million contract.
The Patriots will move on from the future Hall of Famer and perhaps the NFL’s best deep threat. The player who lit up the scoreboard in 2007 with 23 touchdown passes ended his Patriots career with no catches in the Monday win over the Dolphins.
But what he did accomplish was significant. Moss caught 50 touchdown passes in 52 games with the Patriots, to go along with 3,904 receiving yards. Pats coach Bill Belichick, with whom Moss still has a strong relationship, called Moss this morning to tell him the news.
Without Moss, all eyes turn to youngsters such as Brandon Tate and perhaps 2010 third-round pick Taylor Price. Either way, expect Tom Brady [stats]’s offense to continue to feature two tight end sets and target Wes Welker as much as it has been doing.
Moss requested a trade from New England following Week 1, believing he wasn’t in the Patriots’ future plans. He had said he wanted to retire a Patriot but understood that may not happen.
“I’m 33 years old,” Moss said earlier this season. “I’m on my way out of this league. I’m not into it. As far as financial security for me and my family, I think that’s something we need right now. My contract is over, I would like a new one. It’s as simple as that.”
By Ian R. Rapoport
1 comment:
The Vikings decided before the season that it was Super Bowl or bust, and they have gone to great lengths to trade for a top 5 receiver. They agreed to a deal with Vincent Jackson, but couldnt get the Chargers to lower their ridiculous trade requirements. If Moss and Favre cant get on the same page, this could turn back into one of the elite teams in the NFL. They should certainly contend for the division if they can get past the next 4 or 5 games with only 1 or 2 losses.
Post a Comment