Many people had come to the conclusion that Randy Moss was done in the NFL. After all, his 2010 performance really wasn't anything to write home about.
28 receptions, 393 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games for three different teams. Despite the lack of production recently, it does seem that multiple teams are interested in the 35 year-old wide receiver.
The New Orleans Saints had him in for a workout today. While Drew Brees, who doesn't seem to happy about being franchised, wasn't throwing the ball to Moss: the Saints top brass were in attendance.
According to Mike Florio over at Pro Football Talk the workout was a success and "couldn't have gone better." While it remains to be seen if Moss can return to old form, it does appear that he will get a shot to prove himself in 2011.
What teams might show the most interest? What teams might be the best fits?
It makes sense to start with the team that held the initial workout for Moss. They are on the verge of losing either Marques Colston or Robert Meachem in free agency, if not both. Drew Brees, no matter the current situation, will be back in 2012. He needs to have weapons to throw to in the Saints spread style offense.
The two aforementioned receivers combined for 120 receptions and nearly 1,800 yards in 2011, nearly 60 percent of all receptions by Saints' receivers. This is a team that does not own a first round pick and is in a pretty bad salary cap situation. They need to get creative because the likely hood that Colston and/or Meachem leave is pretty good at this point. Signing Moss would be a bargain.
This is all predicated on whether or not Moss views himself as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. While, most of us would tend to believe he isn't, it is hard to understand what is going through the mind of the enigmatic veteran. If he still has that "ego" in place that believes he is a top-tier receiver, there is no way he goes to a team with an established go-to guy.
This would take the Texans out of the running. With that said, there is a possibility that Moss fully understands his value and is willing to come in as a complementary guy. If so, Houston could be a major dark-horse for his services.
Less likely than them making a play for Mike Wallace or Marques Colston, is the possibility that San Francisco looks to adds this veteran presence at wide receiver. This position proved to be their undoing in the postseason and is in need of a major overhaul. They also fit the "contender" aspect of the equation. You will not see Randy Moss sign with a team that has no chance to compete in 2012. Either way, you can expect the 49ers to have the receiver in for a workout if he doesn't agree to terms with New Orleans before the start of free agency next week.
It is no secret that the Ravens are in search of more help at wide receiver after the Lee Evans experiment failed miserably. Despite this, they do have both Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith entrenched in as the starters for 2012.
This could change in short order.
A player like Randy Moss would add another dimension to the passing game, while enabling the Ravens to move Smith to the slot: a position that he would be most dangerous in. Keep an eye on this because it is a real possibility.
As of right now, the Redskins are in no way a contender for the postseason. This could change depending on the Peyton Manning situation. If the future Hall of Fame quarterback decides on the capital city as his new home, you can expect them to bring in multiple upgrades at wide receiver, going for broke in the process.
We have been through this same ole' song-and-dance with Daniel Snyder, so nothing surprises me.
Mario Manningham is almost assured of leaving New York when free agency starts next month. In which case, the Giants are going to look for a cheap option at the No. 3 wide receiver spot behind Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. This fit seems perfect for a multitude of reasons. Above anything else, they have a franchise quarterback in Eli Manning and are coming off the Super Bowl Championship.
Maybe moss decides to put his mouth where his money is (is that right?) and play on the cheap for a contender.
Conclusion
Randy Moss comes to an agreement within the next week on a short term contract with the New Orleans Saints. They are going to have to replace at least one wide receiver in order to maintain some integrity in the outside passing game.
They fit the bill of contender, have a future Hall of Fame quarterback and love to pass the ball. While he might not be a great fit in the "spread" offense, Moss would come in handy with the ultra-accurate Drew Brees at quarterback.
