Randy Moss told the world on Monday that he wants to return to the NFL.
The wide receiver, who did not play football this past season, announced on UStream that he's ready to make a comeback.
"I want to play football. Your boy is going to come back here and play some football, so I'm really excited. I had some things I had to adjust in my life."
Moss may want to play in 2012, but it's not only up to him. It's certainly no given that a team will sign the former All-Pro.
Why would any team take a chance on Moss at this point in his career?
Moss had the worst year of his career in 2010. He caught just 28 passes for 393 yards. The wide out spent the year being moved around the league, playing at least four games for the Patriots, Vikings and Titans.
Now, Moss thinks he can contribute to a team after taking a year off? Not likely.
Moss had one of the great careers in NFL history. He is just shy of 15,000 yards and 1,000 catches. Besides Jerry Rice, he may be the greatest receiver of all time.
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Moss isn't the same guy who scored a record 23 touchdowns in 2007. He's 35 years old and doesn't have the same speed he once had.
When young players perform poorly, it might just be an off year. When a veteran has a bad season, it's probably a sign of the end of a career.
Older players lose the ability to perform at a high level extremely quick. Just look at Chad Ochocinco. He caught 555 less yards in 2011 than 2010, even though he was playing with one of the best quarterbacks of all time in Tom Brady.
Moss just doesn't have it anymore.
Perhaps even more significant than his diminished ability is the negative attitude he brings to a team. On numerous occasions, Moss has been accused of not trying his hardest.
In 2006, an unhappy Moss caught just 42 passed for 553 yards. The following year, he was traded and had maybe the best season of his career.
That's no coincidence.
Panthers defensive back Chris Gamble accused Moss of giving up on multiple plays when Carolina played New England in 2009.
Moss' numbers took a big hit in his prime when he didn't give 100 percent. Imagine how bad they might be at this stage of his career.
That kind of influence can only be damaging to a young player. You definitely wouldn't want an emerging player to emulate Moss' work ethic.
Some might argue that signing Moss is a "win-win" situation. After all, Moss would likely sign a one year, non-guaranteed contract. Any team could theoretically release him at the first sign of trouble.
If only it were that simple.
This past season there was a rift in the Jets locker room for almost the entire season, and Rex Ryan didn't seem to know the extent of it. Getting rid of Moss as soon as he becomes a problem is easier said than done.
At best, Moss will be a below average receiver that will catch an occasional touchdown pass. In the absolute worst-case scenario, Moss will be a cancer in the locker room and one of the most unproductive receivers in the league.
The risk isn't close to being worth the reward.
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