Randy Moss Trade: 10 Reasons a Deal Will Ruin the Patriots' Season

Most sources point to Randy Moss becoming a Minnesota Viking by the end of the day.

This trade has left some of us a bit confused.

You're trading Randy Moss? The guy who has had 151 touchdown receptions and over 14,000 receiving yards in his career?

That Randy Moss?

I understand that Moss wasn't even close to productive during Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins, but it's Randy Moss!

Without a doubt, Moss will make an excellent addition to a weakened Vikings squad, but where does that leave New England?

The Pats would be a good team even without Randy Moss, but they shouldn't take the chance.

Here are the reasons why...

10. Void at Receiver

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots greets teammates during drills before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Even though the Patriots are starting to transition into a tight end-based offense, Randy Moss has participated in 79 percent of the Pats' snaps this season.

Sure, New England could fill this spot with a less experienced receiver, but he wouldn't be as high a caliber as Moss.

9. Losing Experience

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots congratulates BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 after Green-Ellis scored a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during on September 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The

Randy Moss has been around the NFL block, and he understands the ins and outs and subtleties of the game.

He doesn't seem to be any worse for the wear either. Moss is 33 years old, but he still has quite a bit left in his tank.

8. Setting an Example

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts to an official's call in the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

We know that Bill Belichick likes to keep the press away from his football team, but this is a little ridiculous.

The Pats should want to maintain a positive relationship with the media, and trading Moss could send the wrong message to the rest of the team.

This organization needs to be careful to trade Moss without making it look like they're getting rid of him for being too outspoken.

Moss has made some public statements about the Patriots organization, but all he really said was that he wished to remain in New England.

I'm sure that Belichick knows what he's doing, and the strong, silent philosophy has worked so far for the Patriots.

But don't make the young guys scared to talk to the media.

7. Potential Media Battle

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets stands in the foreground as Randy Moss #81 and Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots celebrate Moss's touchdown during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlan

Keeping along the lines of publicity, the Pats also need to keep in mind that Randy Moss has the ear of the media.

This trade could easily be painted as a sort of off-field soap opera no matter how civil the separation is. Judging by Moss' statements earlier in the season, the media could easily paint him like a crazy ex-girlfriend.

6. Moss Is a Special Weapon

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots participates in pregame drills before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Randy Moss is the kind of receiver that forces defenses to get creative, causing holes in coverage.

Not many receivers draw specialty coverage like Moss, and other Patriots weapons will have to deal with quite a bit more pressure.

5. He Can Handle Darrelle Revis

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets defends against Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al

The Patriots' main threat in the AFC East comes in the form of the New York Jets, and Randy Moss proved that he is no "slouch" when it comes to dealing with the Jets' secondary.

Moss' highlight of the season came in the form of a one-handed catch over Darrelle Revis in the end zone that left the cornerback embarrassed and injured.

The Pats will be hard pressed to find another player on their offense with this kind of talent.

4. Wes Welker

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots warms up before his game against the New York Jets on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Wes Welker has been getting the most looks from Tom Brady this season, but can he carry the offense on his own?

Absolutely not.

Welker isn't as much of a deep threat as Moss, and we could see some durability issues with this receiver.

3. Fan Reaction

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 04: Running backBenjarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown with teammate Randy Moss #81 against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Im

According to a Sports Nation poll on ESPN.com, the majority of sports fans think this trade is a bad idea.

When asked, "What's your take on a potential Randy Moss trade to Minnesota?" 57 percent of voters answered, "Bad idea...Patriots need Moss."

2. Chemistry with Tom Brady

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 and Randy Moss of the New England Patriots sit on the sidelines against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Randy Moss is the kind of receiver that elevates the level of play of an entire offense, and this includes quarterback Tom Brady.

Brady has defended Moss' statements about feeling unwanted in New England, and it is fairly obvious that these two just click as teammates.

No matter what Brady might say publicly if and when this trade happens, he will miss Moss' ability to make the big plays.

1. Shouldn't It Be About Winning Now?

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots takes a break during pre-game warmups before the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli

The last time I checked, the entire goal of an NFL franchise is to win games.

Sure, trading Moss for a draft pick would give the Patriots a chance to build in future seasons, but the team should be concerned about winning now.