Yet that second scenario is unlikely because Moss and the Patriots have expressed their desire to reach a multiyear contract extension. The 31-year-old Moss has told friends how much he enjoys playing with Tom Brady, privately wondering what his career would have been like had he been with a quarterback of Brady's caliber earlier.
At the Super Bowl, Moss said: "I would love to finish my career [as a Patriot], just for the fact they have everything you want in a football organization. For me to be able to say that I would love to become a New England Patriot and finish my career here, that is something that I can really believe in."
It's possible the parameters of a deal are in place, but it cannot be finalized or enforced because players are allowed to extend or restructure existing contracts only once in a league year. Moss had restructured his contract to consummate his trade to New England from Oakland in late April, meaning the sides cannot finalize a deal until next Friday.
So should Moss have a change of heart over the next seven days, he would be free to test the open market with no restrictions. Such situations are rare, although they do happen.
The New York Giants were steamed two years ago when defensive lineman Kendrick Clancy reneged on a verbal agreement. The Giants thought they had a deal with Clancy, but when free agency opened, the Cardinals swooped in and signed him.
Surely, the Patriots are aware of that possibility with Moss. The club isn't usually quick to give up such leverage, so there is surely some good faith involved as both sides navigate their way through the process.
Eleven NFL players were assigned the franchise label this offseason, while a 12th, Colts tight end Dallas Clark, was initially tagged before signing a long-term extension.
