The end seemed to be a foregone conclusion at the end of the Washington Redskins' season. Santana Moss, coming off a 10-catch season, would retire. Except that Moss made it clear he'd like to play. And now coach Jay Gruden said there's a chance they might re-sign Moss.
"We're keeping a close eye on Santana," Gruden said at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. "You know, that's something that we know where Santana is and he knows where we are, and something may work out down the road."
A lot of it depends what the Redskins do at receiver over the next month, including the draft. After that, they can determine how many more bodies they need at receiver and whether Moss would be the right choice. His contract last season suggested nothing was a lock -- he received only $65,000 in guaranteed money. But it was clear during camp that Moss was much better than those behind him. So he earned a roster spot.
But it's not as if he was used a lot: Moss was inactive six times.
If he returned, Moss would be in a similar situation. The Redskins have their top three receivers in Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts. They have a young receiver in Ryan Grant. There's not much after this four, however.
Moss' best days passed him a while ago, but he's also just one year removed from a 42-catch season. He's not going to help much on special teams. But there are other attributes Moss brings that Gruden likes.
"I could always play with Santana. Santana's a great person," Gruden said. "He's great in the locker room for us. He knows all the positions. I know he's going to be in great shape, and I would not hesitate one bit to call him."