(Image Souce:boston.com)

BY GARY COTTON

In the midst of a free-agent scramble--NFL teams can all scratch one big name off their lists. (KSAT)

“Randy Moss is done. The 34 year-old future Hall of Famer will hang up his cleats after 13 seasons of course last year he played for three teams: the Patiots, the Vikings, and the Titans.”

The wide-receiver's retirement has many in the football world scratching their heads, including a writer for the Boston Globe who expects there may be more to the story.

“Maybe we'll hear an official explanation in the coming hours or day. Maybe this is just a savvy veteran's way of dodging training camp. Maybe apparently self-designated Moss spokesman Cris Carter will share some real insight on what his former teammate is thinking -- revealing that the Patriots offered him a one-year deal is a start.”

So just ask Cris Carter? Well--ESPN did and he had a lot to say. According to Carter, Moss wasn’t happy with the deals offered up to him by the different teams.

He says spots taken by Chad Ochocinco and Plaxico Burress on the Jets and Patriots, forced Moss into a tough decision.

“Randy Moss, he’ll tell you, he’s got all the awards and accolades--he’s got everything but a superbowl. [FLASH] He wants to win, Randy is a winner and he wants to win a superbowl. What I’m seeing is that when those two teams were removed from him, and his ability to go play with them, I think that Randy reacted a lot like the Randy that came into the league”

That “Randy” was a player plagued with controversy- including marijuana use and questionable off-the-Field decisions, but a writer for NBC Sports says these pale in comparison to Moss’ overall legacy.

“His pride is too big to battle for snaps and a roster spot on a low salary....It’s a shame that Moss’ career ended on such a sour note, but most great careers do.  One of the singular players of his generation, Moss is second all time in career touchdowns and fifth in yards.  He’s in the discussion as one of the best receivers and big play threats ever.”