It’s Official: Randy Moss Returning to the Vikings

The Patriots‘ team website has put the stamp of officialness on the Randy Moss trade to the Vikings everyone has been talking about since late last night.  The report has the Vikings giving back an undisclosed draft pick; this pick is believed to be a 3rd rounder.

Pats coach Bill Belichick said of the trade in a statement, “Over the course of the past several months, I have spoken with Randy and his representative about Randy’s place on our team and his future in football. Consistent with my dealings with Randy from the day we acquired him through our conversation this morning, it has been honest, thoughtful and with great mutual respect.

“While I will keep private the details of internal conversations with players and staff, suffice it to say that many things were taken into consideration before making the trade.  In this business, there are complex and often difficult decisions, but it is my responsibility to make them based on what I feel is best for our football team, in both the short term and long term. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Randy Moss and aside from facing him as an opponent, I wish him the very best for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career.”

Insider reports say the Pats began pursing the possibility of trading Moss in Week 1, after the receiver’s open expression of frustration about his contract status.  Another report says Moss had “words” with Belichick after Monday night’s Pats win over the Dolphins, a game in which Moss caught no passes.

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