Patriots re-sign WR Randy Moss

Mar 3, 2008 - 11:32 PM FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The New England Patriots apparently were willing to pay Randy Moss after all.

The Patriots announced Monday they have re-signed Moss, who had spent just one season with the club and was an unrestricted free agent.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the Boston Globe reported the contract was for three years and $27 million, including 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."

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.

"What Randy did for our team last year was outstanding," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He is one of our most consistent, competitive and team-oriented players, and it is undoubtedly a relationship we are excited to continue."

A six-time Pro Bowler, Moss came to the Patriots in a draft-day trade in 2007 and helped New England complete the first 16-0 regular season in NFL history before losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

A first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, Moss's 124 career receiving touchdowns rank fourth in NFL history.

Moss has recorded eight seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards and has caught 10 or more touchdown passes in seven seasons. His 12,193 receiving yards rank 14th on the all-time list.

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

But there had been widespread speculation that once the Patriots declined to place the franchise tag on him, it was done so with the understand that a deal already was in place to bring Moss back.