NFL Free Agency Speculation: Latest Santana Moss Rumors and Speculation
The Washington Redskins have a lot on their plate for this offseason, and the lockout has only prolonged their misery. Much ink has been spilled on the situations with Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth, and rightfully so. However, the future of Santana Moss is intriguing in terms of the Redskins and any team looking for a veteran receiver to round out their passing attack.
The odds of Moss returning to Washington are about the same as the odds of Moss going elsewhere to chase a title.
Some questions that come to mind are what will it take for Moss to stick around in Washington? Which teams are the best fit for a player like Moss? There are plenty of teams, both established and rebuilding, that could offer more stability and a better chance at winning than the Redskins.
Stay Home with the Washington Redskins
1 of 6
Moss has gone on the record as saying he would like to return to Washington next season and beyond, but is he telling the truth or keeping things PC? Everything about Moss says he's genuine, so there is no real reason to believe he isn't being honest here. However, for a player headed for 32 this summer, winning has to be on his mind at this point.
It shows a great deal of loyalty to not only claim to want to remain a Redskins, but to keep contract "demands" to $5 million a year for two to three years is something else.
The Redskins have won just 10 games over the last two seasons between the end of Jim Zorn's coaching tenure and the start of Mike Shanahan's. Meanwhile, Moss caught 163 passes for 2,015 yards and nine touchdowns from the likes of Jason Campbell, Rex Grossman and a struggling Donovan McNabb. He's been about as consistent as anyone considering the quarterback and coaching carousel the Redskins have been running lately.
Washington needs Moss more than Moss needs Washington, but clearly he's made it his home and doesn't feel compelled to uproot and head elsewhere.
Give the Bears and Mike Martz a New Weapon
2 of 6
The Chicago Bears had all the makings of a Super Bowl contender last season. Jay Cutler threw for more touchdowns than interceptions, Matt Forte hit 1,600 yards of offense, and the defense finished fourth in the league. Aside from Cutler's supposed cop out, the Bears looked like they were lacking explosiveness on the offensive end, and it contributed to their conference championship loss.
Santana Moss has the experience and versatility to be a second receiver or a slot receiver for the needy Bears offense.
Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox are young and dynamic, but don't pose enough of a threat individually to draw double teams. Moss could be the receiver roaming the medium and short routes to free up Forte on swing passes, and draw some safety attention away from either Bennett or Knox.
The Bears are legitimately a player away from serious Super Bowl contention, and Moss could be the key on offense. Adding a natural receiver would also allow the Bears to use the ever-explosive Devin Hester in more creative ways.
Head West to the Upstart St. Louis Rams
3 of 6
Sam Bradford has all the makings of an elite quarterback, but he needs receivers to have any level of success. When Mark Clayton went down for the season, the Rams were left with a lot versatile receivers lacking clearly defined roles. They drafted a slot receiver in Greg Salas and a possession receiver in Austin Pettis, but don't have anyone who can be consistent and explosive.
Mardy Gilyard wasn't featured much on offense, but bringing in Santana Moss could give the Rams reason to use him as part of a very dynamic receiver package.
Moss is old when it comes to speed receivers, and anything after 30 is considered risky. However, he was able to put up some of the best numbers of his career last season on an offense with no true identity, no dedication to the run and seemingly average quarterbacks. Bradford is heading into his second year and would love a to have a receiver like Moss, who is capable of being explosive and consistent.
It would take a solid offer and a guarantee of competition to draw Moss to St. Louis, but a quarterback like Bradford and a running back like Stephen Jackson are reason enough for Moss to consider life as a Ram.
.jpg?w=256 "Cardinals Draft Love Football")
Open Things Up for the Kansas City Chiefs
4 of 6
There were times last season where the Chiefs looked like they did with Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Trent Green running the offense. Then there were times where they couldn't quite hit their stride, and a lot of it had to do with their limited receiving options. The offense has a lot of weapons to work with, but none of them do much to take the pressure off of Dwayne Bowe.
Moss could excel as a second receiver and open things up for Bowe, making the offense function that much better with Matt Cassel at the helm.
Putting Moss as the second receiver opposite Bowe would open things up for the Chiefs offense and give Bowe more open looks. Moss has slot receiver skills and deep threat capability, though he is often overlooked by opponents. It wouldn't take much to force teams to respect Moss, and allow Cassel to read the field instead of feel pressured to force it to Bowe or tight end Tony Moeaki.
The Chiefs reached the playoffs last year and have moved past rebuilding into competitive mode.
Add a New Dimension to the San Francisco 49ers Offense
5 of 6
The San Francisco 49ers have been touted as the surprise team coming out of the NFC West for a few years now, and each year it seems more and more disappointing when they don't match the hype. They have a decent array of offensive talent, but lack a well-rounded group of receivers to make whatever quarterback they settle on comfortable.
Santana Moss brings a level or professionalism to the game and could bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Niners offense.
San Francisco's inability to match the hype surrounding them is echoed in receiver Michael Crabtree. He was touted as the best receiver in the 2009 draft class, but hasn't lived up to his billing. He has the physical tools to be a true No.1 receiver, but lacks maturity. Moss could be the example Crabtree follows to his own success, while also helping the 49ers reach the next level they have been prematurely raised to in recent years.
The issue with Moss in San Francisco is the uncertainty at quarterback as well as the new coaching staff. He may also be hesitant to move cross-country for the final few years of his career.
Chase a Title with the New England Patriots
6 of 6
Though unsubstantiated, it seems that the popular destination for veteran receivers these days is New England. They have one of the quarterbacks in the NFL in Tom Brady and always seem to have a need at receiver. Since parting ways with Randy Moss, the Patriots have had to rely on a cast of versatile players in addition to Wes Welker, who is best suited as a slot receiver.
Santana Moss has always been seen as a slot receiver forced to be the top receiver for the Redskins, but he has over 8,000 yards amassed in his eight seasons as a regular starter that say otherwise.
The Patriots have always made do with whatever they can find in terms of receiving talent. Troy Brown, David Patten and Deion Branch never struck fear into the hearts of opposing defenses, but they were good enough to win at least one Super Bowl apiece. Moss has shown no signs of slowing down as a big-play receiver, nor has he shied away from doing anything and everything asked of him.
Moss approaches the game with the type of professionalism the Patriots are known for and could add a new dynamic to the already powerful offense.
.jpg?w=480 "Cardinals Draft Love Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Rookies Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Browns Declined Cowboys Trade")
.jpg?w=600 "Draft Value Picks Who Could be Fantasy Football Sleepers 🧐")
.png?w=600 "NFL Free-Agent Tracker ✍️"){kind=tracking}
.jpg?w=600 "Breaking News")