Vikings Offer Moss to Dolphins, others

KurtBevacqua · 03-03-2004, 11:03 AM

From the Miami Herald this morning, "NFL Sources" say the Vikes are talking to Miami, and a couple other teams, to see what they might be willing to give up for Randy Moss.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/8092443.htm

Moss enters the picture

Sources say the Vikings and Dolphins have discussed a trade that would bring receiver Randy Moss to Miami, but Minnesota denies the reports.

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO

asalguero@herald.com

The Minnesota Vikings called the Dolphins recently to gauge the receiver-starved team's interest in trading for Randy Moss, according to several NFL sources.

The Vikings deny they made the overture and strongly deny Moss is even on the market. Miami general manager Rick Spielman declined to comment Tuesday. But three sources confirmed the Vikings have been calling teams to test the interest for Moss, who caught 111 passes for 1,632 yards and a career-high 17 touchdowns in 2003.

While the Vikings are only gauging the market, the call to Miami was serious enough that actual compensation for Moss was discussed, according to one source.

Another league source said the Dolphins didn't make an offer but rather mentioned some possibilities of what they would be willing to give for Moss. Cornerback Sam Madison and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye were discussed, according to the league source.

The Vikings have been dealing for days with reports that Moss might be on the trading block, and on Tuesday vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski, who years ago worked for the Dolphins as the staff counsel and salary cap specialist, said Moss will remain with the Vikings.

''Randy Moss is not for sale,'' Brzezinski said. ``No, we're not trying to trade Randy Moss. People have tried to acquire Randy in the past. Everybody knows that the New York Jets called last year.''

However, in a similar situation, the New Orleans Saints strongly denied they would trade Ricky Williams before they consummated a deal that sent him to the Dolphins in 2002. And Brzezinski stopped short of saying Moss never would be traded.

''Nobody is not ever for sale at any price, but the price would be awfully high,'' he said. ``It would take a lot to get the best player in the NFL.''

Two No. 1 picks?

''No, not even that,'' Brzezinski responded.

The Vikings are also believed to have talked with the Arizona Cardinals about Moss. Former Vikings coach Dennis Green was hired this offseason as Arizona's coach.

A source close to Moss said Tuesday that Moss would not mind being traded but would prefer to play with the Jets and quarterback Chad Pennington, a friend and former college teammate at Marshall University.

A Minnesota source said if the Vikings decide to trade Moss, they could trade him anywhere they want because he has no trade-exclusion clause in his contract.

Moss, 27, signed an eight-year, $75 million contract in 2000. He has five years remaining on his deal, and trading him would mean a substantial salary cap hit for the Vikings, but they are capable of absorbing that hit.

Minnesota is scheduled to be approximately $33 million under the cap today when free agency begins, thanks to the use of ''likely to be earned incentives'' by Brzezinski.

The Dolphins' need for a star receiver is inarguable. Last week, the team restructured Derrius Thompson's contract, told James McKnight he would be cut and has made no secret that free agent Oronde Gadsden will not be re-signed.

That means the Dolphins will enter the start of free agency today with one proven receiver -- Chris Chambers -- on the roster.

Rizon · 03-03-2004, 12:51 PM

Uhhhhhhhhh .... WHAT IN THE HELL.

Without a 1st or 2nd string quality QB, they think they can keep Moss happy?

And the Dolphins don't have anything to barter with anyways.

atarizx3 · 03-03-2004, 01:41 PM

does Miami even have any cap room?

Rizon · 03-03-2004, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by atarizx3
does Miami even have any cap room?

Last I heard they had a little bit. But they're also running out of draft picks to trade. I just don't see what they have to offer the Vikings. Not to mention if Moss doesn't get a decent QB who can throw long (this definately WOULDN'T be Fiedler). If they put Moss out there with Feeley or Fielder, he's going to go off the wackazoo.

Oh, just saw this:

Quote:

The Dolphins have some shopping money in free agency after releasing Pro Bowl safety Brock Marion and backup quarterback Brian Griese on March 2. Five other veterans also were cut, leaving Miami about $8 million under the $80.6 million salary cap. Also released were center Tim Ruddy, guard Todd Perry, receiver James McKnight, tackle Mark Dixon and safety Trent Gamble. By terminating those contracts and restructuring several others - including extensions for defensive end Jason Taylor and kicker Olindo Mare through 2009 - the Dolphins reduced their salary-cap figure by $24 million.

Ouch. Axed some of their best players to save money to blow on terrible players (edit: I dont mean Mare or Taylor). Great move guys!

Kezzek · 03-03-2004, 02:59 PM

"Offer"? LOL

They haven't offered Moss to anybody. At most, they've just contacted a few teams to evaluate interest.

KurtBevacqua · 03-03-2004, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by atarizx3
does Miami even have any cap room?

The Dolphins have made some Herculean efforts the past week and I think are now about $8M under the cap.

LiftTheCurse · 03-03-2004, 04:11 PM

Doesn't randy moss have a "no Trade" claus in his contract? Because if he does, I very much doubt he would accept a offer for him to play in Miami. Moss is a top 3 WR in the league, so why would he want the likes of Feely or fiedler throwing him the ball?

Kezzek · 03-03-2004, 04:57 PM

He doesn't have a no-trade clause.

PrestonKaye · 03-03-2004, 05:45 PM

how much is moss going to make next season, because mayb the pats could go after him and give up ty law or one of there young recievers and one of their many draft picks

atarizx3 · 03-03-2004, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PrestonKaye
how much is moss going to make next season, because mayb the pats could go after him and give up ty law or one of there young recievers and one of their many draft picks

No offense to ya Preston, but it's posts like these that drive me crazy. I'll have to now go on a little rant...

Haven't we figured out yet why the Pats were/are so good? And no, it wasn't a fluke.

It's probably the system. It might be a couple of the individual players in key positions. It might be the schemes and the plans at game time. It might be the coach.

But I tell you, it's certainly not plugging in "sexy", high-priced FA's/trades!

I hear every frickin day on the radio/TV/web how the "Pats should get Sapp", "Why don't the Patriots get Keyshawn", "I think Moss would be a good fit in NE", "Why don't we get Dillon/Staley/Alexander?".

You know why the Pats don't get these guys? It's definitely not because they lack talent.

I'm guessing that most of the reasons involve Money, Attitude, Mental Preparation/Toughness, Attitude, Execution, and Attitude.

The Patriots will not stand for a player that puts himself above the team.

I just don't think that Belichick subscribes to the entire Parcells mantra of taking problems and making them into stars. I just don't think he works that way, and even if he did, it has been said that all decisions go through Pioli AND Belichick (not one or the other).

All the "Bill's" comparisons aside, the NE Pats are a team built on "team-players". Not highly-talented individuals that play individually. I have yet to see Sapp/Moss/Keyshawn act like a true professional in their careers. Are they talented? Hell yes!

The players I mentioned are outspoken (which does not make them evil of course), narrow-minded, problematic players that tend to want to play outside of the team's system. They feel that they are SO MUCH better than their teammates, that they don't NEED to play as a team to win. Keep in mind that some of them have been successful in the NFL. Not necessarily because of them individually though.

This is not a Atari's Lock, but I do not see the NE Pats getting ANYONE like a Sapp or Moss simply because that's not how this management builds a team. And if they do, it will be a shock to me.

EDIT: please keep in mind that even though I am a 26-year resident of New England, I have NEVER been a "fan" of the Pats. They are admittedly very fun to watch though.

twins15 · 03-03-2004, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PrestonKaye
how much is moss going to make next season, because mayb the pats could go after him and give up ty law or one of there young recievers and one of their many draft picks

A lot. He just signed a 8 year $75 million contract a year or two ago.

atarizx3 · 03-03-2004, 07:14 PM

oh yeah I forgot the....

+1

LiftTheCurse · 03-03-2004, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PrestonKaye
how much is moss going to make next season, because mayb the pats could go after him and give up ty law or one of there young recievers and one of their many draft picks

I'd definitly want the pats to go after moss, but not in a trade that includes ty law! defense wins games. Just like the Pats did this year. Superbowls can be won with little offense talent, and Great defense. Keep Law!

KurtBevacqua · 03-04-2004, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by twins15
A lot. He just signed a 8 year $75 million contract a year or two ago.

I don't know what the bonus was, but I'll bet it was at least $20M, which would actually make Moss very attractive for a team that trades for him. 8 yrs/$55M or so is relatively cheap for a player of his accomplishment.

And he is in no way shape or form comparable to the headcase Owens of even Keyshaun have been. Moss mouths off every now and then, but from what I understand gets along pretty well with his teammates. I don't think he would be disruptive to the Patriots, or any other team that wins. Moss wants to play for a winner. Send him to a team that dissappoints and he'll be a major pain in the backside. But I think he'll be a model citizen on a winner.

atarizx3 · 03-04-2004, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtBevacqua
But I think he'll be a model citizen on a winner.

The last sentence actually backs up my point.

If Moss needs a "winning team" to be a "model citizen" then that, to me, is a sign of mental weakness. A football player should (and I stress SHOULD) be a model citizen or "team player" to start with.

The Patriots' philosophy is to recruit and sign smart, team players. Not prima donnas. Not guys that will yelp the first time Brady doesn't throw to them. Nor guys that have the propensity to melt under the extreme pressure that comes with playing in a market such as NE.

Moss would crumble in front of the Boston media. I am sure of that. It wouldn't be in Week 1, or Week 3, or Week 6 though. It would be after Ryan or Holley or Felger or Callihan or Ordway rips him apart for dropping that 3rd down pass in the AFCDS, or the Conference title game.

I think Moss is a great individual player. But he has proved NOTHING to me as to his worth as a team player.

marc · 03-04-2004, 03:16 PM

atarizx3, you're fighting the same battle I had to fight for months over why the Eagles shouldn't go after TO. lol

PrestonKaye · 03-04-2004, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LiftTheCurse
I'd definitly want the pats to go after moss, but not in a trade that includes ty law! defense wins games. Just like the Pats did this year. Superbowls can be won with little offense talent, and Great defense. Keep Law!

well im not to sure that the pats can resign law anyway

LiftTheCurse · 03-04-2004, 06:37 PM

Why wouldn't they be able to resign law? It would take less money for the patriots to resign law, then it would take to bring in a Guy like Moss.

I'm assuming your speaking in terms of money.

Mike D · 03-04-2004, 06:52 PM

Do you know how the salary cap works? When a player is traded his salary cap affects the team that trades him immediately. Then, the new team who picks him, only asumes what's left per a year, so if the Patriots want to cut moss 2 or 3 years later, it wouldn't cost them a dime.

drprestwood · 03-04-2004, 07:06 PM

I still don't know why the Vikings would trade Moss. They have the most cap room in the league and there are plenty of free agents available to fill holes.

I put no stock in these reports.

03-03-2004, 11:03 AM	#1
KurtBevacqua Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,968	Vikings Offer Moss to Dolphins, others From the Miami Herald this morning, "NFL Sources" say the Vikes are talking to Miami, and a couple other teams, to see what they might be willing to give up for Randy Moss. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/8092443.htm Moss enters the picture Sources say the Vikings and Dolphins have discussed a trade that would bring receiver Randy Moss to Miami, but Minnesota denies the reports. BY ARMANDO SALGUERO asalguero@herald.com The Minnesota Vikings called the Dolphins recently to gauge the receiver-starved team's interest in trading for Randy Moss, according to several NFL sources. The Vikings deny they made the overture and strongly deny Moss is even on the market. Miami general manager Rick Spielman declined to comment Tuesday. But three sources confirmed the Vikings have been calling teams to test the interest for Moss, who caught 111 passes for 1,632 yards and a career-high 17 touchdowns in 2003. While the Vikings are only gauging the market, the call to Miami was serious enough that actual compensation for Moss was discussed, according to one source. Another league source said the Dolphins didn't make an offer but rather mentioned some possibilities of what they would be willing to give for Moss. Cornerback Sam Madison and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye were discussed, according to the league source. The Vikings have been dealing for days with reports that Moss might be on the trading block, and on Tuesday vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski, who years ago worked for the Dolphins as the staff counsel and salary cap specialist, said Moss will remain with the Vikings. ''Randy Moss is not for sale,'' Brzezinski said. ``No, we're not trying to trade Randy Moss. People have tried to acquire Randy in the past. Everybody knows that the New York Jets called last year.'' However, in a similar situation, the New Orleans Saints strongly denied they would trade Ricky Williams before they consummated a deal that sent him to the Dolphins in 2002. And Brzezinski stopped short of saying Moss never would be traded. ''Nobody is not ever for sale at any price, but the price would be awfully high,'' he said. ``It would take a lot to get the best player in the NFL.'' Two No. 1 picks? ''No, not even that,'' Brzezinski responded. The Vikings are also believed to have talked with the Arizona Cardinals about Moss. Former Vikings coach Dennis Green was hired this offseason as Arizona's coach. A source close to Moss said Tuesday that Moss would not mind being traded but would prefer to play with the Jets and quarterback Chad Pennington, a friend and former college teammate at Marshall University. A Minnesota source said if the Vikings decide to trade Moss, they could trade him anywhere they want because he has no trade-exclusion clause in his contract. Moss, 27, signed an eight-year, $75 million contract in 2000. He has five years remaining on his deal, and trading him would mean a substantial salary cap hit for the Vikings, but they are capable of absorbing that hit. Minnesota is scheduled to be approximately $33 million under the cap today when free agency begins, thanks to the use of ''likely to be earned incentives'' by Brzezinski. The Dolphins' need for a star receiver is inarguable. Last week, the team restructured Derrius Thompson's contract, told James McKnight he would be cut and has made no secret that free agent Oronde Gadsden will not be re-signed. That means the Dolphins will enter the start of free agency today with one proven receiver -- Chris Chambers -- on the roster.

03-03-2004, 12:51 PM	#2
Rizon Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SF Area, California Total Posts: 531,691 Posts: 2,369	Uhhhhhhhhh .... WHAT IN THE HELL. Without a 1st or 2nd string quality QB, they think they can keep Moss happy? And the Dolphins don't have anything to barter with anyways. __________________ JML MILKSHAKES

03-03-2004, 01:41 PM	#3
atarizx3 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Allenstown, NH Posts: 987	does Miami even have any cap room? __________________

03-03-2004, 02:59 PM	#5
Kezzek All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Keyboard - frantically typing in subtle insults to raise my self-esteem Posts: 973	"Offer"? LOL They haven't offered Moss to anybody. At most, they've just contacted a few teams to evaluate interest. __________________ - Kez, P.E.

03-03-2004, 04:11 PM	#7
LiftTheCurse Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 633	Doesn't randy moss have a "no Trade" claus in his contract? Because if he does, I very much doubt he would accept a offer for him to play in Miami. Moss is a top 3 WR in the league, so why would he want the likes of Feely or fiedler throwing him the ball? __________________ http://lotg.christianbaseball.com Philadelphia Phillies/ NL President(1901)23-16 Best Record in the League http://www.ulb.simleaguecentral.com Baltimore Orioles 2004 AL EAST CHAMPION 2005:13-5:1st in AL East

03-03-2004, 04:57 PM	#8
Kezzek All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Keyboard - frantically typing in subtle insults to raise my self-esteem Posts: 973	He doesn't have a no-trade clause. __________________ - Kez, P.E.

03-03-2004, 05:45 PM	#9
PrestonKaye All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cape Cod, Mass Posts: 849	how much is moss going to make next season, because mayb the pats could go after him and give up ty law or one of there young recievers and one of their many draft picks __________________ --Championships aren't won on paper, they are won in a computer simulation!-- Vipors Baseball.... BITCHES Xenoz http://img184.exs.cx/img184/219/keblarsig2xy.jpg Flow Storm http://img47.exs.cx/img47/328/ab1copy8hs.jpg

03-03-2004, 07:14 PM	#12
atarizx3 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Allenstown, NH Posts: 987	oh yeah I forgot the.... +1 __________________

03-04-2004, 03:16 PM	#16
marc Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,505	atarizx3, you're fighting the same battle I had to fight for months over why the Eagles shouldn't go after TO. lol __________________

03-04-2004, 06:37 PM	#18
LiftTheCurse Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 633	Why wouldn't they be able to resign law? It would take less money for the patriots to resign law, then it would take to bring in a Guy like Moss. I'm assuming your speaking in terms of money. __________________ http://lotg.christianbaseball.com Philadelphia Phillies/ NL President(1901)23-16 Best Record in the League http://www.ulb.simleaguecentral.com Baltimore Orioles 2004 AL EAST CHAMPION 2005:13-5:1st in AL East

03-04-2004, 06:52 PM	#19
Mike D Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: In a van, down by the river Posts: 2,802	Do you know how the salary cap works? When a player is traded his salary cap affects the team that trades him immediately. Then, the new team who picks him, only asumes what's left per a year, so if the Patriots want to cut moss 2 or 3 years later, it wouldn't cost them a dime. __________________ Sometimes the best laid plans will never get you laid the way you plan.

03-04-2004, 07:06 PM	#20
drprestwood All Star Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,501	I still don't know why the Vikings would trade Moss. They have the most cap room in the league and there are plenty of free agents available to fill holes. I put no stock in these reports.