Randy Moss: I Don’t Feel Wanted

Which Randy Moss will show up for the New England Patriots this season?  While many believe Moss is primed for a huge year — especially considering Tom Brady is another year removed from knee surgery — I wouldn’t be so sure.  The all-pro wide receiver is entering the final year of his deal with the Patriots and recently told CBSSports.com that without a new contract, he doesn’t feel wanted by the organization:

When you have done so much and put so much work in, it kind of feels like I am not wanted,” Moss told William Bendetson of CBSSports.com. “I am taking that in stride and playing my final year out and whatever the future holds is what it holds, but it is kind of a bad feeling — feeling not wanted.”

Although Robert Kraft insists Tom Brady will remain a Patriot, he has yet to sign a long-term extension with the team.  Considering he’s quit on the Pats before and is 33 years old, I’m not sure what makes Moss think his contract status is a priority for New England when they have yet to lock up the greatest player in their franchise’s history.  He may end up getting his “straight cash homey,” but he’ll have to wait his turn if he does.

I am a little older and understand the nature of the business — the older you get the more your skills supposedly diminish, but I think I am getting wiser in how to use my physical skills,” Moss said. “That’s the frustrating part when you put so much heart and desire into things and feel like you are not wanted.”

Moss’ comments could either be a blessing or a curse for New England fans this season.  One the one hand, you could assume he wants one last mega-deal before retiring and will do everything he can this season to assure he gets it.  On the other, you could assume the Randy Moss of Oakland will show up and realize his days with the Patriots are numbered.  With the way the Pats defense is shaping up, they’d better hope the former holds true.

Sources
Patriots’ Moss feels ‘not wanted’ without contract offer [CBSSports.com]
Without a new contract, Randy Moss feels unwanted [ProFootballTalk]