By PFW staff
March 3, 2008

Randy Moss

It took longer than most expected, but the Patriots have finally come to terms with the most important piece of their free-agent puzzle. On Monday, WR Randy Moss agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal — with a $12 million signing bonus, according to the Boston Globe — that will keep him in Foxborough through the 2010 season. Reports circulated last week that Moss was listening to pitches from other teams, that he was displeased with the stagnant talks with the Pats. There was even chatter that he conferred with former Vikings teammate and fellow UFA Daunte Culpepper about going as a package deal to a new team.

In his first year in New England, Moss strung together one of the finest seasons for a receiver in league history. He caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and a league-record 23 touchdowns, garnering All Pro honors in the process. In his 10-year career, the 31-year-old Moss has caught 774 balls for 12,193 yards and 124 touchdowns.

The PFW spin

Despite rumors that he was looking elsewhere, most close to the club always believed that Moss would saddle up in New England. It was more a question of when than if. The Pats needed this. After declining the option on Donté Stallworth, who is now with the Browns, and having 2007 No. 3 wideout Jabar Gaffney also in the unrestricted pool, the Pats were looking at the possibility of having only Wes Welker as a proven player at the position.

By bringing back Moss, the Pats have ensured that the nucleus of their record-setting offense remains intact. They won’t have as deep a WR corps as last year, but the headlining acts — Moss and Welker — are back snaring Tom Brady’s passes.

The Pats entered free agency with precious little salary-cap room, which delayed the execution of Moss’ re-signing. But by cutting OLB Rosevelt Colvin last week, the Pats saved approximately $7.6 million, a figure that helped negotiations with their star receiver.

The Pats would like to keep Gaffney on board to ensure the continued legitimacy of their spread offense, but they won’t get into a bidding war if another club covets him.