Randy Moss Trade: Get Ready Vikings Fans, Because Randy Moss Is Back

Now before I get to the meat and potatoes of my article, I want to get off on the right foot with the fine community of Minnesota Vikings fans.

I'm trying to be a downer here or rain on anyone's parade, because if last night Jay Glazer (and every other reporter who waits for him to break something and then tries to claim it as their own) would have said the Redskins were about to trade for Randy Moss, I'd be bouncing off the walls with excitement.

However, that is not what was announced so after my initial shock I was able to look at the trade with a clear view.

First, the good new:

If this trade is completed (by all accounts everyone says it will be by this evening) then the Minnesota Vikings' receiving core gets a much needed upgrade.

He'll give the aging Brett Favre one more target to throw, which coach Brad Childress hopes will generate more points.

Even at 33, the guy can still make big plays and will draw a lot of attention from opposing defenses, which theoretically will open up the running game for Adrian Peterson.

But Moss is 33 and his production has dropped since his record breaking season of 2007.

In 2007, he recorded 98 catches for 1,493 yards and 23 touchdowns, and in 2008, he had 69 catches for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Last season, his production picked back up with 83 catches for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns; however, this season he's only recorded nine catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

Of course, much of his production is base on being thrown to and Tom Brady is known for spreading the ball around; Brett Favre will look for Randy early and often in games, but also Moss isn't as open as he used to be.

Another concern I have for the Vikings is that it's being reported by both Sports Illustrated's Peter King and Fox Sports' Jay Glazer that this trade will happen even without a contract extension for Moss.

So with the aging Brett Favre and Randy Moss, the Vikings are trading away a third round pick and saying this is the year.

I'm sorry Vikings fans, but even with Randy back you're still the third best team in the NFC North (as long as Jay Cutler's injury isn't too severe).

And without a contract you're probably just going to be renting him for the rest of the season.

Favre is finally showing his age and I honestly don't think he'll be back next season, regardless of how this one ends.

I just don't see Moss signing up to catch passes from Tarvaris Jackson for the final few seasons of his career.

So basically, the Vikings are giving away a third round pick for a chance at a Wild Card spot that may get them past the first round of the play-offs.

Sorry Vikings fans, last year was your year and it was wasted on a bad decision by Favre and a terrible pass interference call in overtime.

What the powers that be in Minnesota should be doing is planing for the future without Favre.

They should be hoarding draft picks, not giving them away for aging stars and should be looking at options for quarterback.

They've got a pretty good defense and some young talent on offense and should be building around Adrian Peterson and not Brett Favre.

Like I said I know the possibility of landing Randy Moss is exciting but without a contract worked out before pulling the trigger could really hurt the Vikings.

This isn't as bad as the Herschel Walker trade from Dallas, but if Randy or Brett isn't in purple and gold next season it could sting just as bad.

That's all for now football fans, follow me on Twitter (@jomac006).