NFL Free Agency: Ranking Every Team's Chance of Landing Randy Moss
Randy Moss' freakish skills landed him on the NFL's list of 100 greatest players ever. But where is the talented yet often maligned receiver most likely to land in 2011? We rank every team based on their likelihood of picking up Moss in free agency. Read on to see where your favorite team stands.
32. Minnesota Vikings
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I'm not saying Moss has all the blame, but he somehow managed to get himself traded back to Minnesota when his actions suggested he didn't want to be there.
Leslie Frazier would have a difficult task to both bring Randy back and also succeed in moving the team away from the nightmarish events last season that divided the team and cost Brad Childress his job. Frazier has simpler, more important priorities, like finding a quarterback to hitch his wagon to.
Odds to see if three times really are a charm: 1,000,000 to 1
31. Green Bay Packers
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There is no denying Moss' talent, or his remarkable conformance to wide receiver stereotypes. If the Packers wouldn't go after him when Favre publicly lobbied the Packers to do so, there is even less incentive now. The Packers generally won't compete for free agents, so there is no story here. Also, I don't think Reggie White ever pseudomooned the Packer fans.
Odds: 500,000 to 1
30. Arizona Cardinals
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While the receiving core is not a concern for the Cardinals, Moss actually could help this team by making life a bit easier for whatever quarterback Ken Whisenhunt pulls out of his hat.
The Cardinals do need a lot of help at other positions and don't have a contending team to woo Moss. Arizona will need to look elsewhere to find ways to get better.
Odds: 5,000 to 1
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29. Cincinnati Bengals
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Yeah, they got TO. But if Carson Palmer wants out, why would Moss want in? If it did happen, how crazy would it be if Chad Johnson was the third string receiver? I would pay to see the tweets coming out of Cincinnati that day.
Odds: 2,000 to 1
28. Carolina Panthers
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As bad as Carolina was last year, WR wasn't the reason. Carolina will look to upgrade their roster elsewhere, especially at QB. It is not a good fit for Moss or the Panthers. Carolina will probably spend most of their discretionary cash on the first overall pick in the draft, so they might be a little strapped when it comes to making Moss an offer.
Odds: 1,000 to 1
27. San Francisco 49ers
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The 49ers are in full rebuilding mode, and will have some new faces in 2011. Randy Moss will not be one of them. The 49ers receiving core could be described as underachieving, and they can hardly afford another high priced wideout when they still haven't figured out to utilize the ones they have. Moss probably feels the same way that we do about the QB position—worried.
Odds: 700 to 1
26. Washington Redskins
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The Redskins need Moss. Santana Moss. Randy? Not so much. They could use a receiver, but really they are yet another quarterback needy team that has little chance of landing a receiver that wants to contend for a Super Bowl.
While their chances of landing this big fish is slim, if they can't fill a need at receiver in the draft, maybe they look to Moss to fill that gap. Then again, how did Haynesworth work out? McNabb? I'm not sure Washington is quite ready to get burned in free agency again.
Odds: 500 to 1
25. New York Giants
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Maybe Moss could help a very good Eli Manning become a great Eli Manning The problem is that the Giants receiving core is already pretty good, and the Giants really need help in protection and on defense. Moss makes an effective decoy, but he can't help keep Manning on his feet. Only tackles and a running game can do that, and the Giants need to figure that out first.
Odds: 400 to 1
24. Seattle Seahawks
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Moss would complement this Seahawks receiver core well, providing some speed alongside Mike Williams. While Seattle was a playoff team in 2010, there is not enough confidence in the quarterback position to think adding Moss would actually translate to more wins this year. In a couple years it could prove to be a smart acquisition, but we probably won't get the chance to find out.
Odds: 300 to 1
23. Denver Broncos
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While the Broncos may not have a long term need at wide receiver, they are fighting the injury bug there. Adding Moss would help ease the comeback of Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal. Moss could also help Orton finally prove that maybe he is a little better than he is generally given credit for, though it probably won't be enough for them to stop trying to replace him anyways. What a competitor.
It is too bad Denver has so many needs on defense because otherwise they might show more interest in Moss.
Odds: 200 to 1
22. Tennessee Titans
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Soo... yeah. Moss may not have been the Titans saviour, but he didn't cause the team to implode either. In fact, his experience with the team would make him a welcome addition to a squad that needs to find some direction in a hurry. Without an answer at QB though, is this just grasping at straws?
Odds 100 to 1
21. New Orleans Saints
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The Saints would probably be the first to tell you that they are satisfied with their receivers. But when Drew Brees looks at what Tom Brady did with Moss, I would think he would look at their decline in 2010 and think Moss could help him get back on top. However, since there is no obvious need here, this is still an unlikely scenario.
Odds: 80 to 1
20. Buffalo Bills
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With a suspect defense, Buffalo isn't yet a contender, which is why they are ranked as low as they are. However, they were willing to take a chance with Terrell Owens, which is why they are ranked as high as they are. The quarterback could use a little more help and Moss would not disappoint unless he plays like he did last year.
Odds: 75 to 1
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
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I like the sound of tough old Hines Ward working with an old graceful Moss. But watching the diverse styles of play might make Big Ben's head explode. I'm not sure he can process that much data at the same time. If he can, that would be a dangerous receiver set. I just think if the Steelers thought Moss could help them win, they would have tried to get him before.
Odds: 70 to 1
18. Oakland Raiders
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The Raiders are a unique team because they near the tipping point of success. Absolutely dominant in their division, they went 6-0 and developed some confidence with a quarterback for the first time in several years. Moss could really help to lead an ambitious but young receiver group and rally the team to translate that division dominance to a playoff bid.
I suspect it may be difficult to convince Moss to return to the Raiders, which is why this is not ranked higher.
Odds: 65 to 1
17. Chicago Bears
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The Bears are a lost team. Lovie Smith didn't have an answer for the Packers, Cutler didn't have an answer for public perception, and nobody knows whether the Bears' arrow is currently pointing up or down. But I think generally people would say it is down.
I think Moss might be Cutler's football soulmate. The Rice to his Montana—or Young. The two of them just seem like they were made for each other: talented, brooding, misunderstood perfectionists. Ultimately, I felt there were more likely options, so the Bears sit somewhere in the middle.
Odds: 60 to 1
16. San Diego Chargers
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This makes a lot of sense since the Chargers are doing well at QB but have multiple wideout concerns. However they are expected to be able to address their needs through the draft. If they lose a receiver to free agency they should definitely take a long look at Moss, though they currently are not in a position of need.
Odds: 55 to 1
15: Houston Texans
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The Texans need a receiver, even though they already have one of the greatest in the game. They have a quality quarterback and running back. However, their offense isn't good enough to make up for a porous defense. Moss could change that by providing another option and a deep threat opposite Johnson.
The Texans focus may be on defense, but Moss could be a valuable, easy upgrade on offense.
Odds: 50:1
14. Dallas Cowboys
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Tony Romo has shown he can be successful in the pocket, but he needs a lot of options. Dallas could use Moss to shore up the passing offense and adjust the secondary to give Romo a little more space to throw. Plus it probably wouldn't hurt to change up the chemistry a little and bring in a strong leader. The Cowboys underachieved last year possibly because of poor leadership.
Odds: 45 to 1
13. Detroit Lions
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Moss makes perfect sense for the Lions on paper. The Lions could use a receiver because they need to give Stafford another outlet to get rid of the ball and pull some double-teams off of Calvin Johnson. They are expected to have a strong running game and improved defense. The Lions could be a breakout team, and have recently found gems in free agency to get them there. Moss is just the next piece of the puzzle.
The problem with the Lions is that they haven't figured out how to put it all together and they play in a tough division. It would be hard to convince Moss they can win a Super Bowl there.
Odds: 42 to 1
12. Baltimore Ravens
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The Ravens need a receiver, and they need to win now. Except at quarterback this team is getting old. Moss would fit in nicely and help this team over the hump to a Super Bowl.
There's no reason for them not to try, except they might be wary of free agent wideouts. Wait.. Bolden and Houshmandzadeh... Hmm... Maybe I should have put them higher.
Odds: 39 to 1
11. Tamp Bay Buccaneers
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This team has tremendous potential in the passing game, but they could use a veteran leader among all the young talent. With Moss to help focus that energy into winning, the Bucs are contenders for the Lombardi.
The problem is can they even make room for Moss?
Odds: 37 to 1
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
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The Jaguars are hurting for a receiver like Moss. They have to fill the role, but they have other priorities in the draft. Expect Jacksonville to use free agency to fill some holes, and very likely a receiver. Moss may be the best option available to Jacksonville.
Moss would be walking into a rebuilding team, which likely isn't his first choice.
Odds: 35 to 1
9. Philadelphia Eagles
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Moss would be an embarrassment of riches for the Eagles. But that didn't stop them when they had McNabb and Kolb, and they took a flyer on Vick. Somehow, that worked out for them very well. I would say if any team is prepared to take on Moss, the Eagles would be one of them.
That receiver set with Vick, plus Moss. Scary. Scary good.
Odds: 30 to 1
8. Atlanta Falcons
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The Altlanta Falcons need Randy Moss. They are a quality team in just about every other area. They need a veteran receiver to get the job done opposite Roddy White. They will probably get a chance to get a receiver in the draft, but Moss could help them this year, which rookies are often unable to do.
Odds: 29 to 1
7. Indianapolis Colts
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The Colts have Peyton Manning, but not the receivers to allow him to go to work. Peyton will be able to use Moss to compensate for the rash of injuries and player shortages that affected their performance in 2010. And the truth is they really need to give Peyton some help until they can get the protection figured out.
Odds: 27 to 1
6. Cleveland Browns
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The Browns are absolutely desperate for help at the receiver position. It would be ridiculous for them to pass on Randy Moss. Their challenge is spending enough to get him to say yes, because there isn't enough evidence that they can compete for a Super Bowl at this time.
Odds: 26 to 1
5. New York Jets
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The Jets need another receiver, Rex Ryan is a Moss fan, they are a Super Bowl contender. What else is there to know?
Odds: 23 to 1
4. Miami Dolphins
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Brandon Marshalls commitment to offseason rehab is now bordering on legendary. The Dolphins would have needed a receiver even if Marshall had not been... injured. Miami also needs some leadership to get back on track. Moss is the best option available.
Odds: 21 to 1
3. Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs are looking for that 2nd receiver to round out the passing game. They also need someone Cassel can go to when the game gets too big for him. Moss can help keep the offense moving and scoring once they reach the red-zone.
Odds: 20 to 1
2. St. Louis Rams
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The Rams have a shiny new quarterback, but he's got nowhere to go. Moss would fill a huge hole in the St. Louis offense. Even after getting Moss, the Rams still need receiver help. Landing Moss would be one of the best case scenarios for Sam Bradford.
The question is, where does Randy want to play?
Odds: 17 to 1
1. New England Patriots
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Randy Moss may now have a deep understanding of the phrase, "the grass isn't always greener on the other side." He has made it clear that he intends to play for New England, if they will have him.
But will they?
Tom Brady praised Moss, he was a productive teammate, and he was a leader. The path is clear to sign him, so why wouldn't they? While strictly speaking a player would not be resigned in such circumstances, they do need receiver help and so it is still the most likely team for Moss to join for the 2011 season.
Odds: 15 to 1
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