Randy Moss Traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 3rd Round Draft Pick in 2011

Dickerson was a 27-year old star running back who was in a contract dispute with the team, and had stood on the sidelines and only received seven carries in his last game as a Ram. But that team started 1-5 at the time of the trade, and was transitioning in a new quarterback in Jim Everett. Here, the Patriots are 3-1, are still in the midst of a run of seven straight seasons with double digit wins, and just signed their future Hall of Fame quarterback to an extension.

It’s believable, though, because of the strong personalities involved.  Randy Moss is among the most physically gifted of receivers, but has groused since the start of the season about not receiving a contract extension. Karen Gurgian of the Boston Herald has reported that Moss asked for a trade after week 1. I’d like to lack self-awareness and pronounce judgment on Moss, and certainly the difference between his Hall of Fame career and that of Jerry Rice is not distinguished by their immense physical abilities, but rather Rice’s singular, constant focus and drive  But Moss’ response is an entirely human one. Gifted people can get moody and grouse when they feel underappreciated, or feel that they are not being rewarded for previous brilliance.

Belichick, of course, is gifted as well, one of the best coaches in the game’s history. His vision is singular, and if you do not buy in, he will move on. He has now jettisoned Richard Seymour and Randy Moss for draft picks. In Moss’ case, it is unlikely that the pick received will justify the production Moss could provide, even for one season, unless the Patriots were convinced that Moss would be the equivalent of Manny Ramirez as the season progressed. The Patriots are reloading with draft picks (they have two 1sts, 2nds, 3rds, and 4ths in the 2011 draft), but so far that has not translated into a reloaded defense on the field. It is an interesting gambit to play for the future with a team and quarterback that can compete now.

Moss’ move to Minnesota may mollify Favre and keep another gifted athlete interested in the 2010 season (and perhaps beyond, let the Favre retirement drama part VIII begin in earnest) after a slow start. It creates an interesting and talented dynamic once Sidney Rice returns. A team with Moss, Rice, Harvin and Peterson will have as sensational a group of playmakers as this game has seen playing together, but can they all be satisfied with their roles?

For the Patriots, they clearly like their other receiving options, including the young tight end Aaron Hernandez (who is in the Dallas Clark mode of tight ends) and Brandon Tate.  So far, they have been successful spreading it around, but it will be interesting to see how much of the interplay in the passing game that saw Wes Welker be so effective will now be changed without the threat of Randy Moss.