Report: Pats close to signing Moss

Mar 3, 2008 - 11:00 PM BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- The New England Patriots apparently were willing to pay Randy Moss after all.

The Patriots and Moss are finalizing terms of a three-year, $27 million contract, according to a report on ESPN.com.

The Boston Globe reported that the deal includes a $12 million signing bonus.

The reigning AFC champion Patriots opted not to designate Moss as their franchise player late last month, allowing the All-Pro wide receiver to become a free agent.

"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," Moss wrote on his web site. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."

Moss, 31, reportedly had been pursued by several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders.

But Moss, a six-time Pro Bowler, evidently is headed back to the Patriots, who recently completed the first 16-0 regular season in NFL history before losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

The 6-4 Moss was a crucial member of the Patriots' record-setting offense, teaming with quarterback Tom Brady to help form the league's most dynamic passing attack. Moss finished with 98 catches for 1,493 yards and an NFL single season-record 23 touchdowns.