As Day 73 of the lockout commences, there’s a bit of gossip surrounding Gang Green and how they’ll address their wide receiver position this offseason.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the New York Jets have “legitimate” interest in free agent receiver Randy Moss.
This isn’t the first time a Moss-to-NY connection has been made; back in April, the Boston Globe claimed the Jets had a “definite interest” in signing the 34-year-old.
Moss may have lost a step or two, but the future Hall of Famer can still positively contribute to the Jets’ offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs as many big targets as he can get and would likely call upon the 6’4″ Moss in jump-ball scenarios, especially in the red-zone.
Then again, he has a history of diva-like traits and may not respond well to the complex nature of coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme. Similar to Brett Favre in 2008, an established player like Moss might want to do things his own way, which would mean more headaches within his own team and less worry from opposing defenses.
Though, at least one current Jet, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, thinks it’d be a smart investment to bring aboard the former Tennessee Titan.
“I would love to have Randy Moss on Jets,” Cromartie said in a tweet to the Daily News. “Much respect. Great vertical guy who has a lot left in the tank.”
With Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Brad Smith set to hit the open market — possibly as unrestricted free agents — New York needs a contingency plan in place to offset their losses. Aside from Moss, Chad Ochocinco, Steve Smith, and Plaxico Burress could be a part of that plan as each receiver will be up for grabs when the league resumes business.
Speaking of Edwards, he recently sold his New Jersey-based condo and relocated back to his home state of Michigan, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. It shouldn’t be taken as an indictment on his standing with the Jets. Edwards is just in wait-and-see mode with the work stoppage and unsettled labor situation.
“I’m not (in New Jersey) at all, I’m waiting to see what happens with the lockout and everything, but we’re still up here, trying to help these kids,” Edwards said before the event, joined by his parents, manager and girlfriend. “This is really about our commitment to what we start. We started a relationship with them, and just because (my time with the Jets is) on the fritz or I may not be here, we’re still committed to our relationship.”
There’s a good chance the Jets will re-sign either one of their top two receivers before the season begins. Whether it’ll be Edwards, who has hinted that he’d take less stay in New York, or Holmes, who said he’ll likely chase the biggest contract offer, remains to be seen. If the Jets lose both, however, they might turn to a veteran to fill the void, and Moss — even with all his baggage — may be atop their list.
