2012 NFL Free Agents: 4 Reasons Teams Should Actually Want to Sign Randy Moss

Yes, this is happening. And unlike Terrell Owens, Randy Moss still has a few years left in him.

According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Moss announced his return on Monday morning:

"

The man who once said he plays when he wants to play has announced via a Ustream.tv live video that he wants to play.

“I just wanna go to a team and play some football,” Moss said in an appearance commemorating his 35th birthday.

"

That being said, Florio also believes that the New England Patriots may be interested:

"

The Patriots, we’re told, still like him.  As Peter King pointed out in August 2011, Moss made a surprise appearance at the home of owner Robert Kraft in the days after the passing of his wife, Myra.

"

So with this story in mind, regardless of where Moss ends up, here are four reasons why those who could use him should in fact pursue him.

Vertical Threat

It's arguably the most appealing attribute about Randy Moss—his straight-track top speed combined with excellent acceleration draws double coverage.

To say that Moss can stretch a defense vertically doesn't do justice to how much of an effect that has in a game. Sure there are No. 1 receivers who stretch a defense, but only a few are on Moss's level, such as Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and when healthy, Andre Johnson.

Throughout his career, Moss has averaged 15 yards per reception or more in seven different seasons while gaining over 1,000 receiving yards 10 times.

Just for his vertical threat alone, Randy Moss makes for a great addition to teams such as Cleveland, Denver and San Francisco, among others.

All anyone would have to do is set up in shotgun, allow the quarterback about two seconds to buy time and Moss to get downfield. Complete this deep ball once or twice in a game and the rushing offense is set up nicely, along with the intermediate passing attack.

Leaping Ability

Randy Moss's ability to jump serves a great purpose anytime an offense is in opposing territory.

First of all, the man stands at 6'4" and has a vertical jump near 40 inches.

So, even in double coverage with limited space to work, when in doubt just toss one up and let Moss make a play.

Moss, in short, is simply a freakish athletic player with world-class speed and jumping ability. He's impossible to shutdown when single-covered for the majority of a game and has the skill set to burn anyone guarding him.

As for double coverage, it must be pressing him at the line with inside leverage and a safety spying over the top.

Allowing Moss to get to the inside only puts the safety on an island where there's little chance for defending a pass. Even if Moss is simply used for specific situations such as long downs, red zone and/or play-action fakes, he'll be effective.

Not to mention his presence alone is a cause for concern.

Tickets Sales

What we tend to forget about pro football is that it's also part of the entertainment business.

And when players make great plays, they have every right to celebrate and make it enjoyable for their fans.

Randy Moss is no exception.

Whether it's a touchdown, big first down, a block to give the running back a lane or simply a leaping catch that defies the laws of physics, we've seen Moss do it all.

Plus, it's not like the receiver position hasn't attracted those who like to celebrate in the first place, because guys like Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Steve Smith all have their moves as well.

Celebrations aside though, any team who pursues Moss and signs him will immediately see a boost in ticket sales. The fans know that more than anything he is a true playmaker who can break games open.

Now count the NFL becoming even more reliant on the passing game, and watching Moss blaze downfield to catch a deep ball will only attract more fans to the game.

Experience

Since his rookie season in 1998, Randy Moss has played for four different franchises, caught 954 passes for 14,858 yards and scored 153 touchdowns.

There's no doubt that he's been a controversial receiver, otherwise he wouldn't have moved around so much. In 2010 alone, he began the season with New England, then played for the Vikings (second stint) and finished with Tennessee.

Through his first three NFL seasons, however, Moss made it to two NFC championship games with Minnesota and then helped the Pats to a 16-0 record in 2007 despite a loss in Super Bowl XLII.

Still, Moss has been around the pro football block more than once and has played in enough postseason games to almost taste the top of the pedestal.

He's 35 years old, and after sitting out all of 2011 Moss has at least a good two years left.

With that being said, here's to hoping someone gives him a shot. It would be interesting/exciting to see Moss going deep before he hangs up the cleats for good.

John Rozum on Twitter.