Randy Moss and 5 Free-Agent Wideouts the New England Patriots Should Consider

As you will see in the upcoming slides, the New England Patriots' biggest need on offense is a deep-threat receiver.  They got rid of Randy Moss and were better off for it, dominating the NFL in a way not seen by this team since they won the Super Bowl in 2004.

Yes, I am even overlooking their undefeated season of 2007, however, that season showed just how much of a threat this team is when they have an elite deep wide receiver in their possession.

The Pats could bypass the free-agent market altogether and trade for Steve Smith in Carolina but that is as much speculation as this list.

Additionally, with Wes Welker and Deion Branch as secondary wideouts, the protection Tom Brady can potentially receive with the drafting of Nate Solder and a 1,000+ yard rusher in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, this team is dangerous.

Here are a few players the Pats should take a look at and that includes looking to the past, just like they did when they traded for Deion Branch this past season.

Randy Moss

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

It isn't news to anyone on where Randy Moss wants to play in 2011, but as I stated in this article, the question is whether or not Bill Belichick will take him with open arms, based on the actions that got Moss sent out in the first place.

I don't need to explain the success Moss had as a Patriot and you need not look further than the 2007 season.

Despite any negative feelings (if any), Belichick should take another look at Moss.  Remember, his 2010 season was just as abysmal as his 2006 season and look at what he did the following year.

Chad Ochocinco

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Surprised to see him?  Don't be.  Ochocinco has been linked to New England for quite a while, and every day it seems more likely that he will come to Foxborough.

He is an influential athlete on and off the field, and sure, he may have his squabbles, but Belichick has the ability to turn that around and make even the most troublesome players into team players. Successful team players at that.  There are no individuals on this team (except Brady of course), but I am sure if Ochocinco signs on the dotted line, he knows what he is getting himself into.

Terrell Owens

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off the field in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patri

I am sure you are seeing a theme here: troublesome players coming to New England to try and win a Super Bowl ring.  Owens is going to be 38 by the end of next season, so he knows time is running out.

Instead of going for places like Cincinnati or Buffalo, Owens should look for New England. I am sure Belichick will look back and think about what life would be like with a player of Owens' caliber.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: T.J. Houshmandzadeh #84 of the Baltimore Ravens runs a route during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Houshmandzadeh hasn't looked like himself in recent years.  I remember his time with the Bengals, when he was achieving career highs of 112 receptions for 1,143 yards and 12 TDs. But who's counting?

A career resurrection is needed for this man, and Belichick is the man for the job.  I don't need to remind you of the last man Belichick took a chance at the wide receiver position in 2007, but if you need a refresher, click back a couple of slides.

His 2010 season was average, at best, for a guy who only started two games (he did play all 16 games, however):  30 receptions for 398 yards (first time he was under 400 yards since his rookie year in 2002) and three touchdowns.

If Belichick can get Houshmandzadeh back into form, who knows what he is capable of.

Santana Moss

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball after a catch during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (P

Randy isn't the only Moss on the market.  Santana had a fantastic year in 2010 with the Washington Redskins.  However, with the QB situation in limbo in the U.S. capital at the moment, Moss will hit free agency.

Belichick should take a look at Moss, because he is a rising threat in the NFL and when you look at his numbers, you can see what I mean.

93 receptions for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns would be a great addition for New England.  Moss hasn't caught for under 700 yards since 2002.  If that isn't consistency, what is?