At the End of the Day: NFL Free Agents Part 2

Wide Receivers

· Randy Moss

How much does the 34 year old Moss have left in the tank? Is he fully focused on football or "straight cash homie?" Signing Moss this season is a gamble that you only take if you're on a "heater." By that I mean, only if you are a playoff team seeking that last piece that will lead you to Indianapolis in February.
If you doubt that he has anything left in the tank then allow me to beg to differ. A wide receiver’s talents don’t jump off a cliff once he hits a certain age like running back. They slowly climb down the mountain. The speed goes. The athleticism leaves. Eventually they’ll have nothing left but their hands. However, less than a year ago, Moss burned one of the league’s premier corners (Revis) and finished the play off with a one handed touchdown snag without breaking stride or securing it to his body. (http://bit.ly/hjqnCS) Does that sound like a guy who has fallen down that cliff?
Yes, he does have character issues. But as I mentioned earlier, you only sign him if you’re on a “heater” and have a legitimate chance of making a Super Bowl run. (Pat, Jets Steelers, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Ravens, so on...)

The Chargers have been one of the NFL’s top passing teams over the past three seasons, finishing in the top 10 for passing yards each season. Their wide receivers aren’t necessarily the fastest or the most skilled in the league either. What they are? TALL. Their top four targets, Floyd, Gates, Naanee, and Jackson, average 6’4’’ in height. Most defensive backs stand at 5’11’’, making Rivers’s life behind center much easier.
The Chargers can’t afford to lose all three or to sign all three. Jackson has made it very clear that he won’t be happy in San Diego without a top dollar, lengthy contract. However, the offense last season didn’t skip a beat last season during Jackson’s absence proving that he is replaceable. Floyd has to stay healthy though for this to work though. (only playing in 16 game once during his 6 years in San Diego)

With Santonio Holmes off the board (Holmes will ink a 5 year, $50 million contract on Friday) the Jets will more than likely let Edwards walk.
Edwards will command a decent amount of attention during this next week and some team will eventually break down and sign him to a lengthy and lucrative contract.
And eventually that team will experience the same headaches that the Jets and Browns were put through during their time with Edwards. A large bodied receiver with poor decision making and even worse hands.

Donovan McNabb’s trade to the Vikings clearly shows that they aren’t interested in waiting for Ponder to develop and want to win NOW. Which they should. Peterson is their star and the focal point of their offense. Running backs are only so productive for so long.
Resigning Rice has to be a priority for the Vikings this week. If Rice isn’t an option then look for another wide receiver that can stretch the field deep to sign there to compliment Harvin and Berrian.

I don’t know why people think he is going to be out of shape? What else is there to do in prison other than read, work out, and curb stomp people? We saw how prison humbled and transformed Vick last season. What’s stopping Plax? His position is even easier than Vick’s to jump into after a long break.
A short and mid level did would make Plax a huge steal this offseason.

Steve Smith – NY Giants – Stays in New York unless they bring in Plax
Santana Moss – 3 year contract is the most I would give him
Lance Moore – Probably stays in New Orleans
Mike Sims-Walker – tons of talent wasting away in Jacksonville
Steve Breaston
Early Doucet –Both Breaston and Doucet are very skilled and have been over shadowed by Boldin and Fitzgerald. Low value but high talent. They get the “Best Buy” award.

At the End of the Day