Moss waived, good move for the Rams?

Future Hall-of-Fame wide-receiver Randy Moss was waived by the Minnesota Vikings today. Moss started the season with the New England Patriots, but was traded to Minnesota in exchange for 3rd and 7th round picks in the 2011 draft.

The Vikings were widely believed to be a Super Bowl contender entering the 2010 season, but they have been off to a disappointing start, and are currently sitting with a 2-5 record in the NFC North. The arrival of Moss was suppose to jump start the Vikings' offense, but Minnesota obviously feels that they can live without him. Moss had 13 receptions for 174 and 2 touchdowns with Minnesota. Speculation suggests that Moss' release was a result of some post-game comments he made after facing his former team, the New England Patriots, this past Sunday. Moss hinted that he misses New England, and he felt disappointed that the Vikings' coaches did not listen to his advice on how to game plan for the Patriots.

Now the question is, do the Rams grab him if the opportunity presents itself? Twelve teams will have to pass on Moss before the Rams get a shot at claiming him, and some fans would prefer to let him slip by. Moss has a history of being a primadonna, and has been considered a locker room cancer by some.

It is easy to see why some people might not want him. The Rams have built their team based on the four pillars (faith, core, team, values), and a character like Moss could negatively effect the attitude, as well as the effort, that stems from the quality guys the Rams have in the locker room.

However, with the injuries to Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton, Moss is too good of an opportunity to pass up. If you read my previous article then you would know that there are two major factors workings against the Rams in their playoff hunt, the first being their inability to play on the road, and the second being their lack of a solid primary receiver.

The Rams have struggled to score in the red zone, and the 6'4" Moss is one of the best red zone targets in the league. You have to wonder if a legitimate red zone target would've put the Rams ahead during those three games they barely lost.

You also have to recognize the fact that the offense would immediately improve, even if Moss doesn't catch many passes. The fact that Moss is a down field threat would keep opposing defenses honest, and it would certainly prevent them from stacking eight men in the box.

The main thing to consider is that Rams are still in a race to win the division. They already have the best defense, and possibly the best quarterback in the division. Randy Moss can elevate the offense to another level, and give the Rams the edge in the division. He won't require a long term commitment, won't cost any players or draft picks, and the Rams would have the option to cut him if he doesn't behave. The potential rewards outweigh the risks by far on this one.