Saints Can, and Should, Replace Marques Colston with Randy Moss

Legendary deep-threat receiver Randy Moss worked out for the cap-strapped New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, and a variety of reports said he looked like "the old Randy."

It's easy for Saints fans to close their eyes an envision Drew Brees lofting bombs into the hands of Moss next season. What a luxury for an already dynamic passing attack, right?

Wrong.

While Moss' impressive performance may have been what you focused on in the lead, the term "cap-strapped" was most important. 

The team hit Drew Brees with the franchise tag on deadline Monday, and the record-obliterating quarterback wasn't too thrilled.

They clearly want to lock up Brees long term, but both sides were far apart in their negotiations. Guard Carl Nicks wants to be the highest paid interior offensive linemen. Wideouts Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, along with cornerback Tracy Porter, are also free agents.

Are they willing to re-sign both Nicks and Colston at top dollar? 

They shouldn't be. 

The 26-year-old Nicks, a two-time All-Pro, deserves the mega deal. It's hard to find another guard with equal athleticism and mauling ability.

Though Colston's only missed 10 games in his six years in the NFL, he's undergone five knee surgeries. If he demands major money, Saints management would be smart to let him hit the open market. 

Moss is a completely different type of receiver than Colston, who's made his living on intermediate seam routes run from the slot, but remains an ideal addition to the Saints' vertical offensive system.

It's unlikely he'll come with a hefty price tag, either. At 35, he's got a few years of production left, especially since he'll be returning to a system similar to the one that saw him catch 17 touchdowns as a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Moss' job will be to get down the field in a hurry, something he should be fully capable of doing in one of the most receiver-friendly offenses of the last decade. 

To stay under the cap and allow the team to retain some of their current players, Moss would be the perfect option for the New Orleans Saints, if and when Colston darts in free agency.

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