Re: Pats show a little interest in Pac man?
I actually wouldn't be at all surprised if Moss had a "gentleman's" agreement with the Pats when he redid his contract, that the Pats wouldn't tag him.
On the face of it, looking back, I wouldn't be surprised.
But the deal wasn't made "looking back." It was made with a proven malcontent, on a terrible team, who had previously taken a dump on his pro bowl QB a time or two in Minnesota.
At the time he had "lost a step", he had caught 7 TDs and 1400 yards worth
over two seasons, and he was a high risk prospect on and off the field. Was he the "old" Randy, or "Raiders Randy"?
The whole contract was made to indemnify the Pats from the risk - but no mistake they were rooting for the kid.
Either way I think they did exactly what they should have done. You can franchise a kid looking forward to a great career... but if you get a guy like RM on board, you'll likely affect on-field play by franchising him, thus defeating the purpose (and at a high pay grade.)
I think the "gentleman's agreement" evolved over the season. The Pats aren't stupid, and love Moss; Moss isn't stupid, and loves winning.
But the Randy they were looking at in April 07? They knew nothing.
PFnV