Patriots trade Randy Moss to Vikings

Randy Moss had expressed frustration with the Patriots since early in training camp, first about his contract, then about his role in the offense. Finally, Bill Belichick had had enough. The coach traded the talented but temperamental receiver to the Vikings Wednesday for a third-round draft pick in 2011. The Patriots will give Minnesota their seventh-round pick in 2012.

"Over the past several months, I have spoken with Randy and his representative [Joel Segal] about Randy's place on our team and his future in football," Belichick said in a statement. "In this business, there are complex and often difficult decisions, but it is my responsibility to make them based on what I feel is best for our team, in both the short term and long term."

Belichick acquired Moss in April 2007 in a trade with the Raiders, and Moss quickly helped the Patriots become the first team to go 16-0 in the regular season. They won two playoff games before losing to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

But it went downhill from there. Moss' tenure in New England eventually was marked by unhappiness over his contract, especially after the team signed quarterback Tom Brady to a new deal shortly before the start of this season. Moss also had issues with his role in the offense, often thinking he should have more passes thrown to him.

ESPNBoston.com reported Wednesday that Moss and quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien got into a heated exchange Monday night at halftime of the Patriots' win over the Dolphins. Moss didn't have a catch in the game.

The Vikings were in the market for a wide receiver because Sidney Rice is out until late this month or early November after having hip surgery. Brett Favre has long admired Moss and lobbied the Packers to trade for him when Favre was in Green Bay.

"We're always looking for an opportunity to make this football team better," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "Our organization, our ownership is committed to that, and I think you try to be as resourceful as you can. I'm just happy that they supported this move and I think we'll be better for it. I think he's a good football player."

Moss is expected to practice with the Vikings Thursday and be ready for Monday night's game against the Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium. Childress said he spoke briefly with Moss Wednesday and indicated the receiver seemed "to be in a good frame of mind." Childress wouldn't directly address Moss' contract, which is in its final year. He said the team will "probably cross that bridge when we get to it."

Moss, the Vikings' first-round pick in 1998, starred for the team through the 2004 season. He was dealt to the Raiders the following offseason, and had two of his least effective seasons before being traded to the Patriots.

In 12-plus seasons, Moss, 33, has 935 receptions for 14,604 yards and 151 touchdowns. His best year was 2007 (98 catches, 1,493 yards, 23 touchdowns). This season he has only nine catches for 139 yards and three TDs.