While Moss is always a threat to "play when he wants to," there is no doubt in my mind that having been traded out of New England and now cut by his original team after just four games, Moss will want to prove to the rest of the league that both teams made a mistake. Moss is still a threat in the vertical passing game and could help a range of teams vying for playoff berths.
Here is an analysis of the top 10 fits for Moss after he claims waivers.
Source: zimbio.com
1. San Diego Chargers
Could you imagine pairing the high-flying Moss with the NFL's leading passer? Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in on a reckless pass to surpass the single-season passing yard record. He's done all his work without his top wideout Vincent Jackson, and his leading receiver in 2010 Malcolm Floyd.
Rivers makes stars out no-names, so if you pair him with Moss, you could bet the Chargers could still make a play for the the AFC West title. Moss can provide a compliment to Antonio Gates in the passing attack, which should also open up things for Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews in the running game.
Now picture a Philip Rivers-led offense come December when Jackson returns from suspension, Floyd is finally healthy and Moss has developed chemistry with his new quarterback. I think general manager A.J. Smith needs to pull the plug to save his job (see: LaDainian Tomlinson to the Jets)
2. St. Louis Rams
If Randy is going to be Manny, then I would never suggest pairing him with a rookie quarterback. And because St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo stems from the Bill Parcells-Tom Coughlin coaching tree, I don't think he wants to add a potential eruption in the volcano that is Randy Moss to a team that is coming off a one-win season.But Sam Bradford is thriving with the likes of Danny Amendola and Lorenzo Alexander at wide receiver; what kind of success could he have with a player of Moss's caliber?
Source: midwestsportsfan.com
3. Oakland Raiders
Don't call it a comeback, please. What a nightmare it would be to reunite Moss with his former team and owner Al Davis. I can see it now -- Davis slowly walking up to the podium in his fashionable black and silver jogging suit to announce to signing of Moss -- just another example of the commitment to excellence.
But the lack of quarterbacking in Oakland would only present more problems for Moss (Please, do not try to convince anybody that Bruce Gradkowski or Jason Campbell are sufficient enough options to please Moss). However, I don't think his presence would ultimately hurt the development or either quarterback, not to mention open up things for the Raiders' young collection of wideouts and their dynamic tight end. Oh yeah, and don't think Run DMC wouldn't break loose with Moss taking another defender out of the box. Oh, Al -- don't say you haven't considered it.
4. New England Patriots
Like The Hoodie would get away with trading his record-breaking wide receiver for a third-round draft pick and then resign him just a month later. Sounds like classic Belichick to me.While Moss renounced his apparent man love for the Patriots when he faced them as a Viking, I am not sure the NFL could even allow the Patriots to reattain Moss's talents. But whoever says the Pats could not benefit from Moss Source: 365sportsnews.net returning to their offense is a straight up liar. I pity the fool.
The offensive juggernaut that was the Patriots offense has cooled off considerably since Moss departed for purpler pastures. In fact, they are more reminiscent of their early 2000s teams where they were actually winning Super Bowls on the reg. But anyone who believes the Pats' passing game is better off without Moss opposite of Wes Welker is delusional. Trust me -- go ask Welker's fantasy owners.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Source: arrowheadpride.com
Perhaps the biggest surprise team on the NFL season has been the resurgence of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, or New England West if you may, is led by former Patriot Matt Cassel and general manager Scott Pioli, both of whom have worked with Moss.In 2008, when Cassel took over for an injured Tom Brady, the duo combined for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores.
With the Chiefs off to a hot start, one might suggest the addition to Moss alongside Dwayne Bowe would add another element to their passing game and another piece to their arsenal of weapons. This is one of the better fits for Moss.
6. Denver Broncos
Source: bostonherald.com
Yet another Belichick decipher, Josh McDaniels, was the man behind the 2007 Patriots' record-setting offense. Now, the Broncos head coach is on a Mile High hot seat. Would a move to snatch Moss be a step in the right direction?
Kyle Orton has shocked us all with his powerful right arm, as he ranks among the best in passing yardage this season. Orton's top receiver is Brandon Lloyd -- yes, the same Lloyd that once was traded for two draft picks and received a $10M contract with the Skins before producing a 25-catch season with not a single trip to the end-zone. Now Lloyd is tops in the league, so what kind of damage could Orton do with a player of Moss's caliber?
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: fantasyknuckleheads.com
Josh Freeman has performed beyond anyone's wildest expectations in 2010, becoming notorious for come-from-behind game-winning drives. At this point, his offensive weapons include rookie wideout Mike Williams and tight end Kellen Winslow, both of whom have had questionable pasts with their former teams.
Coming out of Syracuse, Williams's character was questioned because of his sudden departure for the Orange football program, despite leading the Big East in receiving and becoming a viable candidate for the Biletnikoff Award.
While Winslow was a Cleveland Brown, there was no doubt regarding his immense abilities and skill set at the tight end position. However, off-the-field issues plagued Winslow, which led to the Browns shipping off their stud receiver to the Bucs.
However, the Bucs regime under second-year head coach Raheem Morris seems to be handling this character issues well. Williams, Winslow and even the problematic rookie out of Oregon, LaGarrette Blount are all becoming exceptional team players under Morris's coaching, so why not Moss?
Source: nfltouchdown.com
Pete Carroll likes big, athletic wide receivers; can you blame him? The Seahawks head coach has already made an attempt to acquire disgruntled Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson, and was in the hunt for Brandon Marshall during the offseason.
With Deon Branch gone and traded to New England, Carroll has a wide receiver core consisting of Deon Butler, rookie Golden Tate and his former USC star Mike Williams. Tell me Randy Moss couldn't help out this team.
And in the wide open NFC West, Moss could be the difference between making and not making the postseason.
9. Carolina Panthers
Source: zimbio.com
You do not have to tell me the Carolina Panthers have only one win on the season; I know they are not going to make the playoffs. But there is a plethora of talent on this team -- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Steward, Steve Smith -- the biggest question mark forever on this team is who can play opposite of Smith to improve this air attack?
Matt Moore may not be the answer at quarterback; and neither may Jimmy Clausen for that matter. But whichever one of these signal-callers takes control of this offense could benefit from Moss's presence.
Right now, rookie Brandon LaFell and some dude named David Gettis are playing opposite of Smith -- yeah, the double-teams are not leaving the sight of number 89 anytime soon. It may not be the move to turn around the Panthers this season, but it is definitely a step in the right direction for 2011.
10. Tennessee Titans
Source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Wouldn't you love to see the Tennessee Titans with an elite wide receiver? I know Kenny Britt is an emerging star, but I don't think we can pull his talents in the Hall of Fame just yet.
Vince Young or Kerry Collins could really benefit from having Moss lining up in their offense; as would Chris Johnson, who would see another defender out of the box.
The problem is Jeff Fisher is a strong-minded, discipline-preaching head coach. He would not tolerant Moss's antics, and would not want to take a chance disrupting his team's chemistry by adding a possible cancer to his locker room.
It also works the other way, though, as maybe the presence someone like Fisher could keep Moss under control. Never say never, Titans fans.
Honorable Mentions:
- 49ers: Moss and Michael Crabtree -- maybe there is some hope in San Fran, Jed York.
- Bears: Remember when Jay Cutler wasn't turning the ball over every other possession? Maybe the presence of Brandon Marshall had something to do with it. I think Moss could be a big target, too?
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers can make any wide receiver look good; imagine what he could do with Moss?
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