Culpepper to Moss, Part II?

By Adam Best  |   Tuesday, March 20, 2007  |  Comments( 46 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins are considering trading for aging Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Here's a better idea: The Dolphins should consider trading for another AFC West star coming off a disappointing season -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss.

"Are you crazy?"

I can almost hear you screaming at your computer right now. Fine. Maybe the proposal is a little nuts, but it's not half as crazy as the Dolphins were when they traded for gimpy quarterback Daunte Culpepper and took on his gargantuan contract last offseason.

Yes, acquiring Moss would mean taking on his bloated salary (not nearly as bloated as Culpepper's) and giving up what would likely be a first- or second-round draft pick. That being said, could any player the Dolphins may draft with those selections possibly accelerate the resurgence of Culpepper like his former teammate could? Actually, is there any player in the league more likely than Moss to help Culpepper make a full comeback from his knee injuries?

No and no.

In 2004 -- the last season that Culpepper and Moss were both on the Minnesota Vikings' roster -- Culpepper threw for a league-leading 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns, with only 11 interceptions. Following that season Culpepper stated that he felt "like a Jedi Knight." Sometimes playing alongside a talent like Moss is better than being empowered by "the force."

Culpepper became the Vikings' signal caller in 2000. In the following five seasons, all with Culpepper behind center, Moss posted jaw-dropping numbers. He averaged 85 catches, 1,283 receiving yards and 12.4 aerial touchdowns per season.

As a comparison, future Hall of Fame Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison averaged 107 catches, 1,408 yards and 13 scores a year during that same period. One difference: Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning was Harrison's QB and the duo had already played two seasons together.

The Culpepper-Moss tandem also led the Vikings to the playoffs two times during their five seasons together. Neither player has been to the playoffs since.

After considering that information, it's hard to argue that Culpepper and Moss aren't better off playing together.

Yes, at this point both players have questionable attitudes and health issues. Consider the alternative -- Green, a washed-up concussion case with a must-start attitude. At 36 (Moss is 30), Green's cap number is roughly the same as Moss'. Now both players might be willing to renegotiate their deals, but Moss is the better option. After all, Green couldn't lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl when he was surrounded by the league's best offensive line and superstar skill players such as tight end Tony Gonzalez and running backs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.

Could Green possibly do any better surrounded by a mediocre O-line and above-average skill players such as WR Chris Chambers and RB Ronnie Brown? It's doubtful.

For the Dolphins, the Moss option seems better. His lackluster turnout thus far in Oakland is forgivable. The Raiders are infamous for churning out malcontent and underachieving players. In my eyes, they have the worst culture in professional football.

The Dolphins' franchise has leaders in place like defensive end Jason Taylor and linebackers Zach Thomas and Joey Porter, outspoken stars who would command Moss' respect. The Raiders have lacked that kind of veteran presence during Moss' time wearing silver and black.

It probably won't happen, but Miami should pardon Culpepper and Moss for the two subpar seasons they spent away from each other and reunite the combo. If the Dolphins are going to roll the dice, the idea of putting one of the most prolific QB-WR combinations in NFL history back together is a heck of a lot better than expecting an old, punchdrunk QB to revive the Dolphins' offense and Super Bowl dreams.

Original Miami Dolphins commentary and opinions, all offseason long at RealFootball365.com
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CommentsComments: 46  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
JSin		08:50 AM
03/20/2007
Yeah, it "seems" like a good idea. And the "we couldn't draft anyone better with those picks" theory is flawed. We do this...
No.2
joshua		08:54 AM
03/20/2007
Ricky for Randy Moss! This all my doing. This is a perfect fit for both teams. NO ONE can stop this from happening now. Victory...
No.3
CM		09:08 AM
03/20/2007
There will be plenty of great talent available at the #9 pick. Moss is the last thing we need. What makes him so unappealing is...
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