Re-signing Randy Moss

Viking star wide receiver Randy Moss is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. Though the Vikings are still alive in the playoffs, speculation is beginning on Moss' future with the team. Don Banks writes:

If the Vikings go deep into the playoffs this month, and Moss leads the way, the equation could change in Minnesota. But for now, No. 84 is dangerously close to wearing out his welcome in the Twin Cities. The reality is this: After campaigning for the Vikings head coaching job in late 2001 on the premise that he was uniquely qualified to control the uncontrollable Moss, Minnesota head coach Mike Tice now realizes that was folly. No one in the organization has the ability to keep Moss from starting his annual series of brush fires, and never have. Former head coach Dennis Green included.

There is no question that Moss is a tremendously talented receiver, perhaps the best in the game today. But signing him to a long-term contract would have serious implications for the development of the franchise. Apart from the headaches he brings to the table, the Vikings would have to commit a huge amount of money to him, which would impact both the bank account and the salary cap.

Minnesota has fielded one of the best offenses in the league the last two seasons, and Moss is a huge part of that. Their Achilles heel has been defense, or better put, the lack of anything resembling an NFL-caliber defense. The organization has already signed quarterback Daunte Culpepper to a long-term deal. Adding in the money that would have to be given to Moss would seriously impair the team's ability to sign quality defensive free agents, keeping that unit at the same mediocre level they've played at the last two years, where they are one game over .500 in the regular season.

The Indianapolis Colts were in a similar situation when the season began, with both Marvin Harrison and Edgerin James heading to free agency and Peyton Manning newly re-signed. Harrison has since signed a lucrative contract. Now a decision has to be made on James. Like Minnesota, the Colts field a dominant offense, but not much of a defense, though the Colt unit is better than Minnesota's.

This is an interesting philosophical question. Do you build one unit as strong as you can, and try to get by with what you can on the other, or do you build on both sides, knowing that neither will be as good as it could be? In other words, do you strive for the #1 offense, contenting yourself with the #25 defense, or do you strive to be in the top ten on both? I think you go for balance. Lopsided teams rarely win it all. Last year, the Vikings didn't make the playoffs and both the Colts and the Chiefs lost in the playoffs, while the less powerful Patriots won the Super Bowl. This year, the favorites in the AFC are Pittsburgh and New England, both of whom are balanced, along with Indy, and the NFC favorite is Philadelphia, which is balanced. Lopsided teams, especially those lopsided in favor of offense, look really good, until they play someone with a decent defense. I do not see Indy or Minnesota winning a Super Bowl with only offense. They will never get over that hump until they play decent defense.

On the other hand, can one really justify releasing one of the biggest stars in the game, in the prime of his career? Obviously, that would be difficult, both to sell to fans and to the rest of the team. But Minnesota is very deep on offense. They have several good running backs, and Nate Burleson is emerging as a top receiver as well. With the money they would save, as well as the draft picks they could potentially pick up in a trade, the Vikings could acquire some defensive talent to complement their offense. If it all works out, they could end up being a much better team without Moss than they are with him. It would take some bold leadership in the Viking organization, but they should definitely be open to trading Moss.