New England Patriots Trade Randy Moss to Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre. Adrian Peterson. Randy Moss?

In a most bizarre and seemingly sudden turn of events over the past 24 hours, the New England Patriots have traded receiver Randy Moss to the team he began his career with 13 seasons ago, the Minnesota Vikings. In doing so, the Vikings have, arguably, the most impressive collection of offensive superstars in the National Football League.

With Pro Bowl receiver Sidney Rice still rehabbing a surgically repaired hip during a 1-2 start this season, the Vikes have lacked any kind of big play threat with their passing game. Add receiver Percy Harvin's migraine and injury woes to the mix and the Vikings have struggled to get any offensive attack off the ground—literally.

Enter Moss, who single-handedly brought the bomb back to the NFL in 1998 when, as a rookie, he caught 17 touchdowns and had a career-best 19 yards-per-catch. But he was unable to get the Vikes to the Super Bowl during his seven seasons in Minnesota and the disgruntled receiver was dealt to the Oakland Raiders in one of the worst trades in Minnesota Vikings history—the Vikes welcomed linebacker Napoleon Harris and two draft picks that amounted to nothing.

In return for Moss, the Patriots will get the Vikings' third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Moss and the Vikings have yet to work on the terms of a new contract.

Moss undoubtedly gives the Vikings the deep threat they've been missing during the first three games. Despite his age, the ability to still draw attention downfield will only present running back Adrian Peterson with more room to run. And his ball skills and immense athletic ability will give Favre a reliable go-to option.

As long as the "big three" of Favre, Peterson, and Moss stay healthy, the Vikings have to be (re)considered as favorites in the NFC.