NFL Free-Agent Speculation: 5 Possible Destinations for Randy Moss

Much has been written about wide receiver Randy Moss’s decision to call it a career after 13 seasons as one of the best receivers in the game today—and in league history.

Many have said "Good riddance!" to the controversial receiver, claiming the league is better without him and his antics.

Others have said Moss has too much left in his tank to give up at 34 years old. They don’t believe that Moss should retire at this juncture in his career.

I am in the camp that believes Moss is not done as an NFL football player and that if the right opportunity presented itself, Moss would be back in the league in a heartbeat.

I believe that once the season gets underway and teams reach out to Moss, he’ll listen for the right opportunity. Here are five teams that could and should consider adding Moss—if he chooses to come back.

New England Patriots

After Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s wife (Myra Kraft) died, Moss flew up from Florida to visit with the Kraft family while they mourned Myra’s passing.

Moss gave the Kraft family a card and signed it “Randy Moss Kraft,” because Moss felt so much a part of the Kraft family.

While the Patriots weren’t interested in Moss, despite his interest in them this offseason, should the team experience problems with its receiving core, Moss could expect a phone call—especially if it’s a Chad Ochocinco injury.

Moss has already been there and done that with New England, which should make him an even more attractive candidate if New England's receiving core suffers injury.

New York Jets

This was the other team that Moss was rumored to have a strong interest suiting up for in 2011.

The Jets currently have a solid receiving core with Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason.

But if any of the team’s top three receivers struggle or get injured, Moss should be on the top of the team’s to-call list.

Moss would have to be on his best behavior on a Jets team that has contended for Super Bowls in the past two seasons. And it can be expected that coach Rex Ryan wouldn’t take any of Moss’s shenanigans, which would make Moss a good fit in New York.

New Orleans Saints

There hasn’t been anything connecting Moss to the Saints, but it could be a good fit.

The Saints have had a talented offense since Drew Brees took over as quarterback in the 2005 season. And Marques Colston (84 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns) is the team’s clear-cut No. 1 receiver.

After Colston, the Saints have a handful of talented receivers, but no one that comes off as a No. 2 receiver. Moss could fill that void or—a recurring theme here—be a great injury replacement for a team that looks to be one of the best in the NFC again in 2011.

San Diego Chargers

Warm weather. A talented football team. An opportunity to win. Why wouldn’t Moss like the idea of San Diego?

Again, there haven’t been any rumors tying Moss to San Diego, but signing with the Chargers could make sense for Moss.

He could have Phillip Rivers tossing him deep touchdown passes while making defensive backfields decide who they want to stop: Moss, Jackson or tight end Antonio Gates. It would make for one talented three-headed monster in the passing game. It might make Moss feel right at home with the three-deep (much like the case in his early days as a Minnesota Viking with Jake Reed and Cris Carter).  

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers won the AFC in 2010 and, with much of the same cast returning in 2011, the Steelers should be in a similar situation this year. Pittsburgh should be among the best in the AFC.

At his age and since announcing his retirement, it can be expected that Moss won’t want to come back for a loser. If he comes back, it’ll have to be for a winner—and the Steelers should win plenty in 2011.

With Mike Wallace and Hines Ward engraved as the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 receivers respectively, the Steelers should be good at the top—if Ward doesn't continue to appear old in 2011 as he did in 2010.

It’s when the team gets to the third option and beyond that they may need help. And Moss can provide that.