Why the Patriots didn't Tag Moss

[JoeSixPat]

I'm amazed that so many fans as well as the media can't see the forest through the trees and were scratching their heads as to why the Patriots didn't tag Moss.

As Karen Guregian notes, there was little for the Patriots to gain by angering Moss by tagging him - even if both sides were intent on reaching a long term deal.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...8&format=&page=2&listingType=pats#articleFull

The bottom line would be that by tagging Moss the Patriots would hold all the cards - and that would put Moss in a position of weakness - knowing that if indeed a long-term deal couldn't be reached his show of good faith by playing last year on an affordable one year contract would have been thrown back in his face like an insult.

It would also be a big red flag for ALL OTHER free agents who might now, or in the future, be in Moss's situation - ensuring that the Patriots never again see such win win situation.

While the Pats lost the ability to FORCE a disgruntled Moss to play here if a long-term contract can't be reached they gained some valuable assets in their long term football strategy to attract future players of Moss's caliber.

So by not tagging Moss the Patriots send a LOUD message to Moss and all other free agents (or guys vying for a trade) that they can be trusted and that they respect players who play hard as team players on a one year contract.

Amazing to me that everyone didn't see this shaping up long before the Thursday deadline, but indeed, even some Pats fans here are incredulous that the Patriots didn't say FU to Moss by locking him into the franchise tag salary as a fall back if negotiations for a long term deal failed.

 

[CrazyDave]

You said it Brother.
testify

 

[Krugman]

Good post.Moss made some adjustments last year to play with the Pats,what indication is there that he is now willing to go the other way?Certainly nothing he's said.

 

[marcus]

...and we should pay attention to anything the Herald says because of why?

 

[jbb9s]

This "franchise tag" rule in the league should be reviewed and possibly replaced. I don't think the players like it and if teams are forced to use it, they are usually stuck with a holdout come camp.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

This "franchise tag" rule in the league should be reviewed and possibly replaced. I don't think the players like it and if teams are forced to use it, they are usually stuck with a holdout come camp.

That's an interesting point, especially in the case of Nnamdi Asomugha, who was hit with the exclusive franchise tag, which pays him almost $10M, but means that teams cannot make him an offer at all. . . .

 

[dhamz]

It is certainly as likely a theory as any of the others that have been tossed around.

That said, if Moss signs elsewhere next weekend, that goodwill they may have earned with future players won't help them replace the best WR in the game in 2008.

 

[vyrago]

It is certainly as likely a theory as any of the others that have been tossed around.

That said, if Moss signs elsewhere next weekend, that goodwill they may have earned with future players won't help them replace the best WR in the game in 2008.

So you would want RM if he wanted to play elsewhere? And how good would he be if he were forced to play for the Pats? It's not as if this guy doesn't have a history.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

It is certainly as likely a theory as any of the others that have been tossed around.

That said, if Moss signs elsewhere next weekend, that goodwill they may have earned with future players won't help them replace the best WR in the game in 2008.

On the flip side, it'd be one of the few times I'd agree with PFT about the Pats--if Moss did sign elsewhere, after everything he's said, it'd mean that he really never bought into the system.

 

[GPR11788]

Moss was not tagged because they did not want to keep him unhappy. If you remember what happened with Asante, I think it makes sense that the Pats want to show a show of good faith to Moss.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Nice post joesixpat. All we can do at this time is wait and see what happens with Moss.

 

[JoeSixPat]

This "franchise tag" rule in the league should be reviewed and possibly replaced. I don't think the players like it and if teams are forced to use it, they are usually stuck with a holdout come camp.

I think the rule is fine when its used - but not when its abused.

The tag should give a team one year to plan for life without a certain player. The players have no right to complain IMO. I'm not expecting them to be happy forgoing a multi-year contract for the average of the highest 5 contracts - but they can take out insurance to cover themselves in case of injury, ensuring they'll get their big payout even with an injury.

Using it multiple years in a row is abusing it. I don't blame players for threatening to sit out as its violating the spirit, if not the letter of the rule. In that sense I thought the agreement with Asante was a fair resolution. Had Asante sat out the first 10 games I would have gladly seen them tag him again, as HE'D had been the one abusing the rule.

...and we should pay attention to anything the Herald says because of why?

Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut.

 

[Mooch]

Guregian is overthinking it.

IMO, Moss has already agreed to a contract and the team is waiting until the "2008 season" (which officially starts on 2/29) to announce the deal, per league rules.

Moss is staying. I'm 99% certain of it.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Guregian is overthinking it.

IMO, Moss has already agreed to a contract and the team is waiting until the "2008 season" (which officially starts on 2/29) to announce the deal, per league rules.

Moss is staying. I'm 99% certain of it.

Can't see it any other way. The Patriots do not and never have cared about pissing anyone off. If Moss was having a tough period, why would the Patriots not franchise him? It isn't worth the loss they could potentially take with him leaving. I think and I pray to god, they have a deal in place and the franchise tag was of no use. I can't see this team letting the guy go for nothing, it would make no sense whatsoever.

 

[psychoPat]

So you would want RM if he wanted to play elsewhere? And how good would he be if he were forced to play for the Pats? It's not as if this guy doesn't have a history.

There's a lot of truth to be told in this saga.

What you say ... is some of it.

(I still think he'll stay here ... as soon as he can, under the CBA rules.)

 

[JoeSixPat]

Guregian is overthinking it.

IMO, Moss has already agreed to a contract and the team is waiting until the "2008 season" (which officially starts on 2/29) to announce the deal, per league rules.

Moss is staying. I'm 99% certain of it.

I'd put myself about there as well, but there a small technicaity when it comes to NFL contracts...

Until they are made official they are, what are known in the legal profession as, "unofficial".

Quite a bit can happen in a few days.

Maybe I'm underthinking it a bit - but is there some way that there an be an unofficial contract that is legally binding even if some team swoops in and completely blows whatever the Patriot's offer is out of the water?

If not then the Patriots ARE taking a risk that he could change his mind - but that's wisest risk for the Patriots to play, lest they generate the ire of all the top players in the NFL who would likely rankle to see Moss's production and good faith contract be rewarded with the franchise tag.