NFL Teams That Should Have Claimed Randy Moss From Waivers

The big news in the NFL this week is the waiving of Randy Moss and the Titans picking him up off waivers later. I for one am surprised that no teams before the Titans claimed him.

Although Moss is the original distraction, his skills still place him in the top ten wide receivers in the league. He is still faster than most, he has great hands and springs on his feet.

Although his production has been down this season, Randy's affect on the game is greater than the sum of its parts. He changes coverages played by the defense and gives the offense a knockout punch ability which is so desirable to any offense.

1. San Francisco 49ers

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 28: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings makes the touchdown catch in the second quarter as safety Zack Bronson #31 of the San Francisco 49ers defends at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 28, 2003 in M

The 49ers had the fourth highest priority off waivers, and their team lacks an experienced, consistent wide out to take pressure of Vernon Davis. The addition of Moss would have removed safeties from the box, which helps Davis get open more on short and medium routes. It would also create a bigger seam between safeties in the centre of the field, because of the need to double cover Randy.

The greater threat of the deep touchdown would also free up Frank Gore to deal even more damage on the ground. He would be running against fewer defenders in the box.

Finally, Moss would be able to "teach" Michael Crabtree the art of running deep routes and catching deep balls. Moss is the best ever at this, and his influence could shoot Crabtree into superstardom much faster than anticipated. Crabtree would also line up as the number two wide receiver, so he would get to play against worse corner backs.

Finally, although the team in San Francisco is young, Mike Singletary would have not allowed Moss to slack off or adversely affect the teams mental preparation.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings lines up against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The Jaguars could have used another target for David Garrard to throw to, and to take the pressure off Maurice Jones-Drew as the only playmaker on the offense.

Moss would have had the same effect as in San Francisco. The running lanes would have opened up for MJD, and strong-armed Garrard would have been able to sling the deep ball to Moss every time he beat his man.

The one risk for the Jaguars would have been Moss' effect on the dressing room. Their coach is not dominating like Singletary, and they have a young, impressionable team, especially at wide receiver. This is the only reason why they would not have made a claim for him.

3. St. Louis Rams

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots hangs on to the catch as he is tackled by a member of the St. Louis Rams on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The St. Louis Rams were another team who desperately need a quality wide receiver. Sam Bradford has performed exceptionally with a corps of pass catchers who only Big Brother Manning could make look good.

Bradford's development is key for the revival of football in St. Louis, and in the formative years of his career, he needs all the help he can get. While a possession receiver would be better, Moss gives him a credible target to scare defenses with and stretch the field.

Moss' affect on coverage could lead to a breaking out party for Danny Amendola similar to what Wes Welker experienced when Moss was with the New England Patriots. Amendola has a similar style of play and skill set to Welker, and would profit being able to pick up downs underneath while secondaries try to stop Moss killing them deep.

As with most teams who would suit Moss, the offenses biggest weapon Steven Jackson would get more running room with Moss on the field.

4. Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 05: Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to get by Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears while running a pass route during a game on December 5, 2004 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Im

Jay Cutler would love this. The Mike Martz offense requires wide receivers who can make catches and make plays, and the young, inexperienced group in Chicago just don't cut it. Moss would give the Bears all of that and more.

Cutler also has one of the strongest arms in the league, which plays into Moss' strengths perfectly.

If Moss was willing, he could tutor the young group of pass-catchers in the Windy City to become better technicians, and less reliant on speed to create separation.

The one flaw would be that the deep play threat of Moss would be completely negated if Cutler was unable to complete a 7 step drop before he was pressured by rushers. I see this as the reason why Chicago didn't want Moss on their team.

Final Thoughts

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EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - OCTOBER 7: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss answers questions from the media during a press conference at Winter Park on October 7, 2010 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

If the NFL was run like fantasy football, then Moss would have been headed to Buffalo without a doubt. He has caught 52 touchdowns since 2007, testament to his skills, and changes the way defenses play.

His character issues are well documented, and probably scared away most of the teams that didn't grab him, but if he is well managed and is given responsibility in the team, then most of those issues would go away, as they did in the 2007 18-1 season of the Patriots.

All in all, the fact that a team with a winning record being able to get Moss is a travesty, especially seeing that Shawne Merriman, who has had no production for multiple seasons, was picked up by the 0-7 Bills.

If any of you readers think I have missed a team, or unjustly added a team, then please comment on that.