National Football League

Caplan: Teams should just say 'No Moss!'

Published Nov. 2, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

While various teams are weighing the decision to put a waiver claim in for ex-Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, the four teams rumored to be considering Moss (Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins) might want to strongly consider the pros and mostly cons of bringing in the mercurial player.

Moss, who turns 34 in February, was once one of the most feared wide receivers and deep threats in the NFL, but those days could be far behind him.

One of the best ways to measure the effectiveness of a receiver is to examine pass target numbers. Pass targets clearly show the involvement of a player on the offensive side of the ball.

Over the past three seasons, Moss has averaged 8.73 pass targets per game. So far this season, he’s averaging just 5.75 per game. That’s a significant drop, which tells you either he’s not as much of a significant part of the passing game as in years past, or he doesn’t run as well. One could say, based on his production this season, that he no longer commands the ball.

But it’s not just the on-the-field production that those teams have to consider, it’s what goes on outside the white lines that the teams have to strongly consider.

Sure, the Seahawks could use another receiver for depth, but could he really help them? Would Moss really set a good example for former first-round pick Mike Williams, who was out of the NFL for two seasons because he was out of shape?

There’s no question that Miami needs another receiver with experience to play opposite Brandon Marshall, but would Moss and Marshall be willing to share the ball? Keep in mind Moss wants a new contract and will want to get the ball as much as possible. This situation is way too combustible to work. Moss is the type of receiver who can’t keep his feelings inside for very long when he’s not getting the ball — just ask the New England Patriots.

While the Rams were very interested at one point in signing veteran Terrell Owens, they wound up deciding against it. In the end, would Moss really provide the kind of leadership skills that are necessary for such a young team? Keep in mind head coach Steve Spagnuolo was with the Philadelphia Eagles when Owens was a member of that team.

Washington head coach Mike Shanahan, like Vikings head coach Brad Childress, has final say on personnel issues. But does Shanahan really want to deal with another problem player? Look how long it has taken for the Redskins to get something out of defensive linesman Albert Haynesworth.

It’s all about caveat emptor, teams, buyer beware.