[CBFF] NNR: ProFootballTalk.com - MOSS TO PACKERS, ONE YEAR LATER?

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ProFootballTalk.com

MOSS TO PACKERS, ONE YEAR LATER?
Posted by Mike Florio on March 1, 2008, 7:39 p.m.


In early 2007, there were strong rumors making the rounds regarding
the possible addition to the Green Bay Packers of receiver Randy Moss.
 Quarterback Brett Favre was thought to be lobbying heavily for the
move, and at one point we heard that Favre was convinced that Moss
would be coming to town.  After Moss was traded by the Raiders to the
Pats for a fourth-round pick and a half-gallon of chili, Favre was
unable to conceal his displeasure.

Now, with Moss unsigned and believed to be unhappy with the terms
proposed by the Patriots, Adam Schefter of NFL Network suggests that
the Packers might pursue Moss as a way to persuade Favre to come back
for another season.

It's an intriguing concept, but we're not sure how realistic it is.
The Packers have Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Koren
Robinson.  Then again, the Pats had a crowded house at the position a
year ago when they acquired Moss, and Bill Belichick and company
didn't bat an eye when the time came to pull the trigger.

Then there's the fact that Favre is a year-to-year proposition in
Green Bay.  After 2008, Moss could be a pricey luxury that the team
can't fully utilize.

The bigger question, as we see it, is whether Moss is merely trying to
scare up a big-money offer that would then be used to leverage the
Pats.  If he has agreed to give the Patriots a chance to match any
proposals that he might receive elsewhere, why should the Packers or
the Cowboys or the Eagles or anyone negotiate the contract that Moss
ultimately will sign in New England?

Frankly, we think that Moss has badly misplayed this one.  By creating
the impression that he is committed to staying in New England, teams
aren't going to be likely to make him a big-money offer during the
early days of free agency.  And if he ever convinces folks that he's
serious about leaving, the wallets that currently are wide open will
be quickly closing.

In hindsight, the best opportunity for Moss in Green Bay was a year
ago.  His presence likely would have been enough to propel the Pack to
a Super Bowl win.  And then Favre could have retired and Moss could
have hit the market and other teams would have believed that he was
serious about moving on.

Maybe he would have then signed an Adalius Thomas-style long-term deal
with the Patriots.