Now the plot thickens, possibly, in the New England Patriots' attempt to keep Randy Moss. News that the team declined to use the NFL's safeguard, the dreaded (from the players' point of view) Franchise Tag, on Moss. That means they have a week to try to lock up a long-term deal with the heralded wide receiver prior to his becoming an unrestricted free agent. Their inability to come to any agreement by Feb. 29 would create a free-for-all that may certainly see Moss move on to greener -- literally -- pastures. It's quite possible the team has a deal already done with Moss, and reportedly by rule aren't able to officially announce anything until Feb. 29

If they had at least applied the tag to Moss, one of two big free agents they have (cornerback Asante Samuel being the other), the Patriots would have been on the hook for one year between some $7 million and $8 million, but at least would have had time (until mid July) to work out a long term deal. This likely means they feel confident they can get a deal done with Moss (or already have one done)  that spreads the money out over a few years. A Franchise tag would have had some salary cap implications otherwise.

-- TOM KING