Moss trade could make sense for Vikings

Published reports the past few days in Miami and the Twin Cities have speculated that the Dolphins and Vikings have been in discussions concerning a trade for star receiver Randy Moss.

At first glance, it may seem a little silly for Minnesota to trade Moss. An undeniable talent, Moss seemingly cleaned up his act last year as he stayed out of trouble and was regarded by many within the organization as one of the team leaders. Of course, he continued to put up amazing numbers (111 catches for 1632 yards and 17 TD's).

As is the case with nearly all trade rumors, you can't believe everything in print or on the news and nobody knows what's really going on behind the scenes except for the Miami and Minnesota brass. I can be fairly sure of one thing, though: These talks are probably real and they will probably go on for a few days longer (regardless if one or both teams continue to deny the reports).

Shortly after the season ended -- in horrible fashion -- for the Vikings, a Twin Cities newspaper ran a story that alleged Moss was upset at coach Mike Tice for some disparaging remarks. The story had Tice quoted as saying that he, in effect, had Moss under control and concentrating on football all the time.

Now, if there's one guy you don't want to alienate, it's Moss. As childish as it may seem to appease him, Moss is a very sensitive individual when it comes to what his teammates and organization think of him. Fans and the media have ripped Moss in the past, but have you ever heard somebody from his team lay into him other than a brief sideline argument? For better or worse, the organization really never has. It is possible that Tice, probably not even realizing it, may have crossed a boundary with Moss.

Regardless of how it has apparently come to this point, a trade may be a blessing in disguise for Minnesota. It may not even be in disguise for Vikings fans who never forgave Moss for his famous "I play when I want to play" comments in 2001.

Fifteen years after the fact, this could be Minnesota's chance to have a Hershel Walker trade where it comes out ahead. Back in 1989, Vikings General Manager Mike Lynn mortgaged Minnesota's future for several years in an absurd trade for Dallas' star running back. Minnesota traded five players and a high number of draft picks (including one first-rounder that turned out to be Emmitt Smith) which essentially stockpiled the Cowboys' talent base en route to three world championships.

In the reported deal being kicked around with Miami, the Vikings would receive cornerback Sam Madison, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, receiver Chris Chambers and draft picks.

The Vikings are currently in the market for a corner and defensive end, and Chambers would replace Moss (well, he would take Moss's place). Plus, either with their own No. 1 draft pick or possibly Miami's, the Vikings could draft a compliment to Chambers from among the large group of talented receivers coming out this year.

The NFL of the past few years has proven that teams win championships and it's not always how many stars a club has on its roster. How many superstars did New England and Carolina have last year? How many Super Bowls have Peyton Manning, Moss, and Terrell Owens played in?

When Moss signed his $75 million contract in 2001, he said that he would be the guy to lead Minnesota back to the Super Bowl. If this deal does in fact go down, and in a way I'm sure he wasn't talking about, Moss may very well be the guy to do just that.

E-mail me with questions/comments: bryan_horwath@yahoo.com