According to Adam Schefter over at ESPN the San Francisco 49ers have come to terms on a one-year contract with Randy Moss. This move came after the 49ers became the second team to workout the veteran wide receiver.
Why does Moss fit what the 49ers are attempting to build? There is a three pronged answer to this question and I plan to address them here.
Value
All indications are that the 49ers didn't sign Moss to a huge contract by any standards. Instead, it seems that the veteran receiver is willing to play for practically nothing. While that might be a PR spin on the part of Moss, it is hard to believe that he would come in making starter type money.
Moss comes in as another veteran presence for a 49ers offense in need of more talent. He isn't necessarily going to be the primary target in the passing game. Acquiring Moss doesn't disable the 49ers ability to go after a top of the line receiver in free agency. Instead, he is most likely a secondary addition to the team.
Need
Prior to the Moss signing San Francisco only had Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams on the roster at the wide receiver position.
While Williams struggled in the kick return aspect of the game against the New York Giants in the postseason, he does seem to have a bright future as a receiver for the 49ers. Michael Crabtree has been somewhat of an enigma in these parts. He doesn't have the look of a true No. 1 receiver.
It goes without saying that Moss quickly becomes one of the best receiver on the roster. After all, they currently only had two.
Even if Josh Morgan re-signs, which is far from a certainty, San Francisco needs to upgrade at this position. Moss at one-half of his 2009 performance would bring in excellent value at a need position.
The Michael Crabtree Factor
Yes, I am going to go here. Moss is going to be a great influence on Michael Crabtree. The veteran receiver has had his fair share if character concerns throughout his great career. After a year off to fully understand that the NFL didn't need him, I expect Moss to come in as a different person.
It isn't like Moss was an issue in the locker room with the New England Patriots or in his second stint with the Minnesota Vikings. He seemed to have matured a great deal with age.
It is the idea that I have experienced what you are going through, in turn you can learn a lot from me.
Conclusion
If Moss is anywhere near the type of player that we saw with the Patriots in 2009 it made perfect sense for the 49ers to sign the veteran receiver. At the very least, he would add another dimension to their passing offense as a No. 3 receiver.
After all, you are probably looking at nothing more than a veteran minimum.
