Free agent and future Hall of Famer Randy Moss remains unemployed as NFL training camps commence. While mercurial receiver reportedly has several demands for his wherever he might sign, the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots appear to be the best matches — and the most in need.
Moss wants to play. The biggest hurdle to suiting up again is his pickiness. According to Pro Football Talk, the 36-year-old has demanding prerequisites for his next team: be a contender, have a quality quarterback, offer a big contract and give him a larger role in the offense than he had in San Francisco.
His prerequisites make the 49ers and Patriots ideal candidates, especially given both teams' need at receiver. The 49ers lost receiver Michael Crabtree to an Achilles injury, and his timetable for returning is uncertain. Aside from tight end Vernon Davis, who has been lining up at wide out during training camp, and Anquan Boldin, the 49ers have an inexperienced receiving corps.
Even in the twilight of his career, Moss remains a deep threat. His speed can blow the top off defenses, and his ability to stretch the field opens up the middle for Boldin and Davis, as well as makes defenses play the 49ers' running game honestly. It didn't work out in San Francisco last season, but it's a different situation with the absence of Crabtree.
49ers coach Jim Harbaugh indicated in May he would give his current receivers a shot, but his stance could soften by the end of training camp.
The Patriots' receiving situation is worse. The team no longer has Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez or Brandon Lloyd. Rob Gronkowski is coming off a back surgery, and his return date is uncertain. Danny Amendola, New England's de facto top target, has a history of missing games because of injuries.
If New England doesn't bring back Lloyd, it wouldn't be out of character for Belichick to take another gamble on Moss. Moss would also instantly become the team's No. 1 deep threat, and with a depleted receiving corps, playing time wouldn't be an issue.
Moss remains unemployed, but as injuries happen, he could find himself on a team by the end of training camp or preseason.
