The 2007 Randy Moss Trade: New England Bought a Record-Breaking Season for a Fourth-Round Pick
Oakland sent Randy Moss to New England for the 110th pick in the 2007 draft. Moss responded with 23 receiving touchdowns as the Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 2007 4th round pick (110th overall, John Bowie )
New England Patriots Received
- player Randy Moss
Trade Summary
New England's trade for Randy Moss became one of the greatest low-cost star acquisitions in NFL history. The Patriots gave up a fourth-round pick and received a future Hall of Fame receiver who immediately transformed their offense. Oakland moved a frustrated player. New England added a record-setting weapon. The deal became legendary because Moss immediately looked nothing like a declining asset once he joined Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
New England acquired Randy Moss from Oakland during the 2007 draft for the 110th overall pick, a fourth-round selection. The Raiders used that pick on defensive back John Bowie. Moss also agreed to restructure his contract to join the Patriots, reducing the financial barrier to a trade that already carried very little draft cost for New England.
Why the Price Was So Low
Moss was one of the most talented receivers in league history, but his two Oakland seasons had damaged his market. His production fell, the Raiders were struggling and teams had to decide whether the decline reflected age, motivation or environment. Oakland chose to move on rather than gamble on a rebound.
New England made the opposite bet and created one of the most dramatic value swings in trade history.
The Immediate Payoff
Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 receiving touchdowns in 2007. His vertical ability transformed the Patriots offense, and his partnership with Tom Brady helped New England become the first team to finish a 16-game regular season undefeated. The Patriots lost Super Bowl XLII, so the season did not end with a championship, but the acquisition still produced historic individual and team performance.
Moss remained productive beyond that first season and later signed a new contract with New England. The trade therefore delivered more than a one-year rental at a fourth-round price.
What Oakland Received
Bowie never became a comparable contributor. That outcome matters because the Raiders did not receive a package of multiple lottery tickets or future premium selections. They exchanged a future Hall of Fame receiver for one mid-Day 3 draft opportunity and failed to convert it into lasting value.
Final Verdict
New England wins overwhelmingly. The Patriots accepted relatively little acquisition risk and received an immediate record-setting superstar. Oakland had understandable reasons to end the relationship, but a fourth-round return for Moss became one of the clearest examples of selling an elite player at his lowest market value.