The New England Patriots have traded star receiver Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick. The story was first made public on Twitter after ESPN writer Bill Simmons tweeted a two-word sentence of a possible trade in the works.
After Simmons tweeted “Moss Vikings,” NFL fans were astonished and prominent media outlets searched for a legitimate lead on the NFL’s first blockbuster trade of 2010. Both teams eventually confirmed the trade.
Moss spoke out in the media against the Patriots organization for not offering him an extension after the team gave quarterback Tom Brady a $60 million contract. Brady’s passing numbers increased significantly once the Patriots acquired Moss in 2007. That year, Brady threw for an NFL record 50 touchdowns and nearly half (23) were caught by Moss.
Without Moss, Brady’s numbers will surely nosedive. Before Moss, Brady’s passer rating peaked at 92. Once Moss joined the Patriots, Brady’s passer rating peaked at 117 and remained above 95. Receivers who were able to catch passes because of the double teams that Moss faced will also suffer from their former teammate’s absence. Moss now gives Brett Favre and the Vikings a legitimate downfield threat. –a.r.
