Jets head coach Rex Ryan raised some eyebrows last month when he raved about free agent receiver Randy Moss, talking specifically about him as a deep threat. Rexy’s glowing review of Moss led to speculation that the Jets might be interested in signing the problematic yet talented receiver. Comments from the team’s owner to Albert Breer of NFL Network did little to quash that sentiment.
When asked about Randy Moss this week, Woody Johnson told NFL.com “There’s no question that Randy Moss has the capability, has the God-given talent to be a superstar, and he has been a superstar, particularly with the Patriots. That’s about all I can say about him, other than I admire his skill and what he’s accomplished during those years.”
It’s one thing to praise the past work of a player, which is easy to do with someone as accomplished as Moss. But Johnson spoke in the present tense, implying he still believes Moss can be great. If Johnson backs Randy and so does Rex Ryan, doesn’t that increase the likelihood they’ll take a chance on him?
Rex Ryan is a strong personality and his players generally love him. Maybe he can handle a guy like Randy whereas someone like Brad Childress couldn’t. Plus, the Jets have proven they like veterans many other teams feel are over the hill (see Jason Taylor, LaDainian Tomlinson). They’re also unafraid of players who have run into trouble on their previous teams (see the trades for Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes).
Even though Randy would love to return to the Patriots, it doesn’t appear the interest is mutual. The Jets seem to be legitimately interested in him. I can’t believe too many other teams would be.
Either they’re consciously praising Moss for purposes of gaining leverage in negotiations with Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, or they really want him. My guess is he ends up signing with the Jets. The only question is how he’ll get along on the team, and whether he can still be a threat like he was in New England. Maybe he can, maybe he can’t, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea to bring in such a negative person around a young quarterback like Mark Sanchez.
