ESPN's John Clayton has reported today that Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper are conspiring to reunite and "finish what they started" by signing with the same team as free agents.
This borderline absurd turn of events, made possible by the ridiculous fact that the Patriots failed to lock up Moss before he hit free agency, is nonetheless compelling and tantalizing.
Patriots fans are probably banging their heads against the wall in frustration that Moss, after disappearing in the Super Bowl loss to the Giants, may end up playing on another team next year.
New England, who also lost Donte Stallworth to the Browns, would yet again be more or less depleted at wide receiver. Sure, Wes Welker had a great year, but he's not getting open on all those patterns underneath and over the middle if Moss and Stallworth aren't stretching the field by going deep.
If Moss leaves as well, New England fans can get used to the sight of Tom Brady on his ass, something that occurred all too frequently against the Giants.
Meanwhile, fans of other NFL teams with a void at QB and WR might be scared shitless that the Daunte-Moss package could come to town and fizzle out. Moss is great and all after his rejuvenation year in New England, but he's only a year removed from being totally washed up in Oakland.
And Culpepper? Well, he hasn't exactly been lighting it up these last few years, punctuated by the fact that he could neither win the starting QB job on a horrible Raiders team last year, nor hold on to the starter's role when it fell to him due to injury.
That said, IF Moss and Culpepper follow through on this idea and decide to reunite, here's a look at a few teams they could end up with:
Carolina Panthers
Why it could happen: The Panthers' QB situation was in shambles last year. Things got so bad, in fact, that the Carolina brass actually decided the retired Vinny Testaverde was the best guy to run their team and signed him off the scrap heap. Culpepper hasn't played well in years, but you've gotta admit that the prospect of Culpepper tossing it up to Moss on one side and Steve Smith on the other would be pretty damn exciting.
Why it probably won't: John Fox is a hard-ass, and Culpepper and Moss aren't known to be great character guys. Plus, Smith might not like the idea of sharing the ball with another prima donna wide receiver.
Miami Dolphins
Why it could happen: The Dolphins were beyond horrible last year, they need a QB bad, and they could also use a big-play WR after trading away both Welker and Chris Chambers in the last year. Bill Parcells was brought in to shake up the team, and something like this would certainly qualify.
Why it probably won't: Parcells left Dallas in a hurry after having to co-exist with T.O., so it's doubtful he'd want to bring in Moss. Culpepper has already had a stint in Miami that did not end well. And Moss and Culpepper are going to want to go somewhere with a chance at competing, which Miami is still at least a few years away from doing.
Kansas City Chiefs
Why it could happen: Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle didn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence as a QB tandem in K.C. last year. Culpepper throwing to Moss, Dwayne Bowe, and Tony Gonzalez and handing it off to Larry Johnson and Kolby Smith would make for a high-octane offense.
Why it probably won't: The Chiefs are focused on getting younger, and both Moss and Culpepper are pushing 30. Plus, with so many options at his disposal, Herm Edward's head might explode.
Baltimore Ravens
Why it could happen: New head coach John Harbaugh immediately would gain an upgraded offense with the Moss-Culpepper combo. The duo would join a squad that has never lacked on defense, but hasn't exactly been great about scoring points. The team immediately would become a scary contender in the AFC North.
Why it probably won't: The Steve McNair era didn't go great in Baltimore, so who knows if they'd want to roll the dice on another banged-up, over-the-hill QB. And with Moss and Ray Lewis on the same team, the locker room atmosphere in Baltimore would be straight out of The Wire.
Atlanta Falcons
Why it could happen: Atlanta endured the season from hell last year after the Michael Vick saga played out about as badly as it could. The team had to choose between Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich at QB, and Bobby Petrino bailed mid-season to take the Arkansas job. The big splash that would come from signing Moss and Culpepper could reinvigorate the franchise and make it relevant again, or, at the very least, fun to watch.
Why it probably won't: Owner Arthur Blank may be wary of bringing in players of questionable character after getting stung by Vick. Neither Moss nor Culpepper have had particularly high marks in that category throughout their careers.
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7 months ago
frankly thay tould be good for both Moss and Culpepper, if they do move together to some team I bet they both do well. I'll be a fan of whatever team they go to, 2nd fave behind 'Da Raidah's, Babeee!!!'
7 months ago
i kno it won't happen, but i would love to see chicago go after those 2, they don't have a good qb or a #1 wr, and both positions are becoming thin in free agency
7 months ago
Imagine the Vikes with Moss/Culpepper again, plus AP. Even if Culpepper isn't who he was first time around in Minnesota, that's a scary idea for any defense.
7 months ago
I would love for it to happen it either Kansas City or Baltimore. No way it happens in Carolina.
7 months ago
Now this would be something!
7 months ago
Dave - you beat me to the punch! As soon as I heard about this I said to myself - perfect fodder for an article :) Nevertheless, this is a great read!
I am a big big fan of those two playing together...what a treat they were to watch in Minnesota. If they can re-capture this magic somewhere - like in Atlanta, KC, or Baltimore as you suggested wow...although for pure biased reasons I would LOVE to see this happen in San Francisco or Chicago :)
The one point I'd like to add to why "it wouldn't happen" for Carolina is that Jake Delhomme will be back from his injury - that's the only reason Carolina was so dire @ QB last season.
from 7 months ago
Sean -
My bad, but that doesn't mean you can't write your own take on this story. Of course, there is something to be say for being first ;). Guess you'll have to be quicker to the keyboard next time.
You're right about Carolina, I should have realized that Delhomme would be back. That said, a lot of people have been correct to point out that Daunte isn't anywhere near a shoo-in to the starting job on any team no matter how QB-depleted, so perhaps its not a stretch for him to go somewhere with an established started to compete with.
Chicago is another good one, although they seem to be committed to Rex Grossman. Still, a competition between Rex and Daunte would be a close one (although not the most confidence-inspiring for Bears fans on either side).
7 months ago
Randy's an idiot. You have arguably the best QB in the NFL throwing to you on one of the best teams and now you want out? You want to re-unite with an old QB who's lost his mobility and is best known for completely self-destructing in the 4th quarter? Daunte is awful and while physically gifted, might be the worst quarterback in terms of mental ability. I honestly don't get it at all why Randy would want to do this. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld, good luck with allllllllll that.
7 months ago
The Bears should trade their first round pick etc. etc. and do what they need to make that happen. That would realy energize the city after last season.
7 months ago
Even though this has nothing to do with the subject of the article, I'm going to nitpick.
Bobby Petrino left the Falcons with three games left in the season. Since when is that midseason? It is during the season, yes. But midseason? No.
from 7 months ago
You're right, that is a nitpick.
Midseason = while the season is still underway, at least in my book. It wasn't before the season, it wasn't after the season, hence it was midseason.
I think the term you're looking for is "at the halfway mark."
Still, we're splitting hairs here.
7 months ago
Moss & Brady blong 2gethr Y would he go bacc 2 a washd ^ QB anyway...dats retrtd
from 7 months ago
Yikes.
Would it really have been that difficult to type:
"Moss and Brady belong together, why would he go back to a washed up QB anyway, that's retarded?"
Or maybe you text'd your comment?
7 months ago
Moss has went back to smoking crack and hitting policeman with his SUV. This is nuts if it is true. Culpepper is done. I'm not saying Moss should stay with Brady and the Pats, but this guy is arguably the hottest free agent since the last time he was a free-agent. If I was Moss, I would take this opportunity to get a huge payday. If it's not the money than he should stay in New England or take a chance with Favre. But the Culpepper situation is most likely derived from Culpeppers agent trying to get him one last paycheck by riding Moss's talent to sign a deal. By the way, I thought these guy's dedn't get along in Minnesota!!!!!!!
7 months ago
They'd only reunite if Culpepper signs with the Patriots. Moss has agreed to a 3-year $27 mil contract with the Patriots.
from 7 months ago
Oh well, the idea was fun while it lasted.
7 months ago
but if culpepper signs with the pats, he's not playing a down all year unless brady gets hurt. that would be foolish. why sign to be a backup
7 months ago
The point of that was that Moss has re-signed with the Patriots. But Daunte has made it clear that he's willing to be a backup. He's not starting material anymore, anyway. The Pats don't really need a backup anyway. Cassell hasn't done much to show he's a starter, but they don't need a high profile, high money backup because Brady hasn't been injured, and he's obviously great, so they don't need a high profile backup. But yeah, the point is that Moss is back in New England.
7 months ago
Dante and Moss need to come back to the Viks and get rid of T Jack he sucks ass. The viks would kick ass with those 2 plus the bomb running game of taylor and AP. Plus the best run defense in the NFL and getten better pass defence
12 days ago
Who knows. With the Patriots losing Tom Brady...and possible indecision on Matt Cassell. Hey I blogged here on Bleacher Report after the Patriots beat the Jets that Cassell was surely better than Brett Favre that day. But one game does not a season make. Dante and Randy just might get reunited...of all places playing for the New England Patriots. The Pats are off this week. Maybe this duo will be united for their next game. Stay tuned. If they do I will surely write on this topic.
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