Kraft: Patriots will pay market price to win

Feb 24, 2010 - 11:25 PM By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS(AP) -- Robert Kraft insists the New England Patriots will pay whatever it takes to win.

And the team owner has the paycheck stubs to prove it - regardless of what Randy Moss says.

"Do you know how much he (Moss) has made over the last two years? Over $20 million, so I don't think we don't pay for quality and I think you can see that," Kraft told The Associated Press on Wednesday in Indianapolis, where he is attending the NFL's annual scouting combine.

Kraft's comments come just days after Moss told reporters at a charity softball event in Florida that he did not expect to return to the Patriots following the 2010 season because he would cost the team too much.

New England is trying to work out a long-term deal with defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who was given the franchise tag earlier this week. The team also may try to extend quarterback Tom Brady's contract before it expires next season, something the rival Indianapolis Colts are trying to do with Peyton Manning at the same time.

Where does that leave Moss in the Patriots' pecking order?

Well, the receiver believes he'll be looking for a new job after next season when his contract expires.

"You know the Patriots don't really pay, so when I got my second contract from them that was a blessing in disguise," Moss told The Boston Globe during a charity softball event in Florida. "I understand the business. I don't think they're going to re-sign me back. I'm not mad. I'm not bitter. It's just the way things are in this NFL, so like I said after this year I'll be looking for a new team."

Moss insisted he's not upset, just being realistic.

At first, Kraft brushed off the comments.

"I think the comments were probably taken out of context," Kraft said before expanding his answer.

Moss has been a big part of New England's recent success.

He caught a league-record 23 TDs in his first season with New England, 2007, when the Patriots went 16-0, lost in the Super Bowl and Brady was the league MVP. Moss has topped 1,000 yards in 10 of his 12 NFL seasons, including all three in New England. And he has 926 receptions, 14,465 yards and 148 TD catches in his career.

But last season, Moss was sometimes criticized for not giving an all-out effort, a tag that has followed him since the early days of his career in Minnesota.

Kraft seemed about as unconcerned with the criticism as he did with trying to extend contracts Wednesday.

"Tom is under contract and is a New England Patriot, and Randy also is under contract and is a New England Patriot," Kraft said.