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NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Randy Moss
Randy Moss (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 20. Randy Moss never gets traded from New England

Wide receiver Randy Moss was so good for the New England Patriots, it almost doesn’t even make sense. Disgruntled and annoyed during his time in Minnesota, the Patriots somehow pulled off a trade for the future Hall of Famer in 2007 by merely handing over their fourth overall pick. Once he landed in his new home, he and quarterback Tom Brady automatically clicked.

Moss put up a career-high 1,493 receiving yards and still holds the all-time record for the most receiving touchdowns by a wide receiver in a season with 23. They would wreck the league all year long but would eventually lose in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

The pair didn’t get the chance to pick up where they left off as Brady tore his ACL in the first game of the following season. Still, even without Brady throwing the ball in his direction, Moss still managed to score 11 touchdowns and nab 1,008 receiving yards. While he was still productive, the Patriots ultimately decided to part ways with him during the 2011 season.

At the time, Moss was only 33 years of age. Known for his tendency to shut down and flat-out quit if he wasn’t happy, Moss went on to have several unproductive years in various stops around the league. But, rewinding to his final full year with the Patriots, Moss was still one of the best receivers in the game. He registered 1,264 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in the season prior to the trade.

Sure, the Patriots would go on to continue their winning ways, they would officially win another Super Bowl in 2014, but in 2012, they lost to the Giants in the final game of the year again. With Moss having the utmost respect for Brady, going as far as to say he’s the greatest of all time, there is little to no doubt that Moss would have put up several Pro Bowl level seasons if he simply stayed. As far as their Super Bowl rematch with the Giants five years later, even at the age of 35, Moss would have likely taken them over the hump. Not only that, every wide receiver record that is currently in possession of Jerry Rice, if Moss never left Brady’s side, he would’ve shattered all of them.

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