ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted early Wednesday morning ET that league sources are indicating a trade sending disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss back to where it all started for him: Minnesota.
While the compensation hasn't been determined yet, it appears the Pats are asking for a mid-level draft pick in exchange for the future Hall of Famer. Moss has completely disappeared this year, the final season of his contract, and was a very noticeable non-factor in Monday night's blowout win for the Patriots in Miami. He dropped a touchdown, and didn't have a reception in the game.
The fantasy implications of a deal sending Moss back to the Vikings are... astronomical.
From the Vikings perspective, holy ****, Batman! There has been nothing to lead anyone to believe that Sidney Rice won't come back this season at some point, which makes the potential of an offense that would have Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and, in theory, Moss even more scary. Have I mentioned Adrian Peterson?
Suddenly a unit that has made every fantasy owner on the planet curse at least three times this season already would become the gold mine everyone believed they would be. Moss has shown that being pissed off is an incredible motivating factor in the past, and he would be three short weeks away from playing the Patriots team that dealt him. He would also have a happy chucking quarterback eager to show off his cannon arm; Brett Favre becomes a buy.
From the Patriots perspective, you have to ask questions. Wes Welker is still coming back from a major knee injury, and Aaron Hernandez is a rookie tight end. While Moss hasn't produced (and, some might argue, tried) all season, just the fact that he's on the field draws the opposition's best corner. If you take him out of the mix, how effective is Welker against Darrelle Revis? Do we honestly believe in Danny Woodhead?
This deal could actually bring Tom Brady's fantasy numbers back to earth a little bit, and could actually make someone like BenJarvis Green-Ellis a legitimate fantasy option. I know, I know... putting any faith in the running game in New England is certain death. But no Moss could handicap the passing game beyond repair for Brady and the Pats.
