Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Over the years we've seen players take discounted salaries for a chance to play for winning teams. Randy Moss did it last season, and he'll apparently have to do the same thing to play for New England again in 2008.
I expected New England to use the franchise tag on Moss. The Patriots apparently thought that would have been the wrong way to handle their Pro Bowl receiver. Their approach worked in the sense that Moss didn't immediately run out and take a deal elsewhere.
Now, nearly three full days into free agency, it's fair to wonder how many teams are lining up for Moss' services. Nearly 48 hours have passed since we learned Moss would begin soliciting offers from other teams. Each day brings more questions than answers.
What is the market value for a guy who gives great effort under some circumstances (New England) but not other circumstances (Oakland)? Would signing Moss to a massive contract impact the answer to that question? Is it unfair and misleading to bring up Oakland given the state of the Raiders during Moss' years with the team?
If the Oakland years are relevant, or if you think Moss carries baggage in general, how many teams have the leadership to fit him into their system and get maximum effort from him, without the distractions?
Could the Patriots, much less other teams, experience results similar to what New England realized last season if Moss were suddenly given the security that comes with huge contractual guarantees? How many teams would be willing to make Moss the highest-paid receiver in the NFL?
These are the types of questions a team might ask before deciding what type of contract to offer Moss. The rest of us are left to wonder what is taking so long.
