Patriots: Five Free Agent WR Targets After Edelman Injury
Santana Moss
Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (89) stands on the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Now, I will admit that this one is much more of a reach, but stick with me. If the Patriots want to get creative in who they bring in help fill in for Edelman, 14-year NFL veteran Santana Moss should be one their list.
Moss was not signed by any teams this off season, after playing out his contract with the Washington Redskins. He had become a bit of an after-thought in Washington in recent years, finishing with only 10 receptions for 116 yards in 10 games last season.
That being said, Moss had 42 receptions for 452 and two touchdowns in 2014, and 41/573/8 back in 2013. I know it’s a bit of a reach, but he put up those numbers in extremely limited playing time, and it wasn’t that long ago.
The Patriots’ passing offense is typically difficult for a player to come and pick up right away. However, Moss is known as a smart and aware player on the field, and he has certainly been around the block. I am not saying he would be able to step in and handle a full load, but I imagine Moss would pick up the offense much better than most free agent additions would. He may have learned a thing or two during his 14 years in the league.
Moss’ possible value to the Patriots would include the ability to play both on the outside and inside. Instead of giving the full load of slot plays to Amendola, signing Moss would allow the Patriots to throw him in there to run some of the underneath stuff. He could also help fill Amendola’s prior role, as he has a similar skill-set.
Amendola also seems likely to take-over the punt returning duties for the Patriots with Edelman out. Moss has a ton of punt return experience, and would be a nice back-up option for the team at times. He is a sure-handed returner who they could count on to not fumble the ball.
Moss did not want to retire, he just never got another shot to play. At this point, he may not be interested in a return, but I think he is a guy who the Patriots should call up. They are in a pinch, and a veteran receiver who can learn quickly makes a lot of sense.
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