Vikings Snatch a Rolling Stone, Gather Moss

Randy Moss has been dealt to the Minnesota Vikings from the New England Patriots.  New England will get a third round pick in return.

Patriots: I don't like this move for them.  Tom Brady has maybe a three-year window at the top of his game, which means this organization has three years to win another Super Bowl.  With this year appearing to be one without any truly elite teams, the Patriots would seem to have a real shot at getting to the big game.  Now the chances of the Patriots winning it all are slim-to-none.  I know Moss' numbers were not huge this year, but he still has elite speed and demands double coverage.  He was the only vertical element in the Patriots' offense, which will now have to rely even more on their runningback-by-committee approach, as well as their short passing game.  With a suspect defense, a so-so running game, and Wes Welker ten months removed from major knee surgery, Moss was essential to this team's success.  With eight second-round picks over the past two drafts, perhaps New England thinks that they are not a Super Bowl team this year and are looking to the future.  In next year's draft the Patriots have the Raiders' first pick from the Richard Seymour trade, which should be a top-10 or top-5 pick, and their own first rounder.  They also have two second round picks including a high second rounder that they got from the Panthers.  Thanks to the Moss trade they will also have two third round picks.  And, oh yeah, they have two fourth round picks as well.  All told, a third round pick is not enough payment for an elite talent like Moss.

Eat your heart out, New England

Vikings: This trade is a huge win for the Vikings.  Moss is still a great receiver and is exactly the big target Brett Favre needs in the red zone and the deep threat that can open up the rest of the field for the offense.  Once Sidney Rice comes back, the Vikings will be the most talented offense in football with Adrian Peterson, Rice, Moss, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Favre.  Nobody can match that firepower or that run-pass balance.  Now it all comes down to Favre and the Vikings' offensive line.  If Favre can be efficient, smart, and hit some big plays down the field, the Vikings are a Super Bowl-level team.  The defense is very powerful, and if the offense can take off with Moss, this could very well become the best team in football.  Giving up a third round pick doesn't mean anything for the Vikes who are clearly putting all their eggs in the Favre basket.  Desperate for a championship this year, Moss gives the Vikings a great chance at achieving that goal.

--from Adam