RANDY MOSS RETURNS TO THE NFL: WHY PLENTY OF TEAMS SHOULD BE INTERESTED

The Randy Moss retirement project didn't last long. One season to be precise. And I can't say I'm surprised.

Moss announced his planned return to the National Football League yesterday. And much like his entrance into the league 14 years ago as a rookie, Moss is just hoping there's a team out there that wants him.

I don't think he needs to worry.

From the standpoint of physical ability, there's no question a bunch of teams can find a place for him. Randy Moss is one of the best pure athletes to ever play in the NFL. He has made the impossible look easy. And at 35-years-old, he hasn't lost much of his speed. He also hasn't lost the jumping ability and ball skills that have, at times, made him virtually unstoppable.

The real concern for any team considering adding Moss to their roster is his attitude.

As a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, Moss thrived predominantly as a deep threat on a 15-1 team with veteran receiver Cris Carter as his mentor. Moss would "pop the top" on opposing defenses while Carter, receivers Jake Reed and Matthew Hatchette, tight end Andrew Glover, running back Robert Smith and others would reap the rewards.

But it's easy to smile, say the right things and toe the company line when things are going well. It was when times got tough that Moss would disappear, get in trouble, say things like, "I'll play when I want to play" or a combination of all three.

In the right situation, I think Moss can still be a very productive player in the NFL. But where is the right situation?

Certainly, a second stint with the New England Patriots seems like a logical landing spot for him. Moss knows any kind of misbehavior won't be tolerated. Plus, he can fall back on his 2007 season (98 receptions, 23 TDs) with the Pats as a pretty convincing selling point for his services there. He knows the game plan in New England and Tom Brady could use him to stretch the field.

Lots of teams needs receivers, but what teams are willing to take a chance on the negative side effects his attitude might have or his unwillingness to peacefully coexist with the rest of his teammates sometimes?

The answer is lots of them. If Moss is healthy, that is.

If Moss is ready, willing and able, he'll find employment in the National Football League.

No team is going to make Randy Moss the focal point of their offense. Those days are gone. So, Moss doesn't really have much leverage in negotiating a big money contract—the kind that would put any team at his mercy. No, that's not going to happen. Moss will certainly receive an incentive laden deal that will include rewards for good behavior—or an easy to understand road map to the organization's nearest exit if he's not.

So, the possibilities are endless. I expect teams like Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago and others to line up and "kick the tires" on this talented receiver. But they will be calling the shots, not Randy Moss.