True to form, the Patriots remained firm on their decision not to offer Randy Moss a contract extension, a decision that ultimately caused Moss to become disgruntled and publically complain about his contract status.

The Pats don’t play that game.  They didn’t involve Moss in the game plan on Monday night, and promptly opened up trade discussions.

Minnesota, desperate to upgrade their receiving corps, were happy to oblige, sending draft picks to New England to bring Moss back to the place where he started his career.

This is one of the biggest in-season trades of recent memory, so let’s dive in and breakdown the fallout.

Randy Moss – Considering he only had 9 catches through the first 4 games in New England, he should receive a nice bump in value upon his return to Minnesota.

Bret Favre – Favre has been struggling without Sidney Rice, so having Moss in town only helps.  He will throw to Moss early and often. 

Percy Harvin – Harvin also receives a nice increase in value since defenses will have to spread their attention to another legitimate receiver – Bernard Berrian has been a non-factor.

Visanthe Shiancoe – He’s performed admirably as a quasi-number 2 receiver, but that role should dwindle as Favre starts to break in his new toy.

Bernard Berrian – He just couldn’t hack it and he will lose his starting job after the Moss acquisition.

Sidney Rice – Vikings head coach Brad Childress insists the Moss trade is no reflection on Sidney Rice’s health.  Reports say Rice is still far off (we think a week 8 & 9 return is overly optimistic), but could you imagine Favre slinging the ball around to a Moss-Rice-Harvin trio in the fantasy playoffs?

Tom Brady – Brady really wasn’t using Moss anyway, so it may be neutral in terms of value.  Even if he didn’t throw Moss’s way, the receiver posed a threat to opposing defenses, but New England will still find a way to move the ball through the air.

Wes Welker – Just like Brady, Welker has been doing fine without much presence on the other side of the field.  Sure defenses can turn their attention a little more his way, but we have a feeling that’s already been happening.

Aaron Hernandez – Hernandez becomes Brady’s “big” receiving option.  Will all due respect to the rest of the receivers - they’re a bunch of midgets.  Hernandez will be the safety valve and should see an uptick in targets.

Julian Edleman, Brandon Tate, and Danny Woodhead – Unfortunately, New England appears ready to roll with a rotation among the remaining receivers.  There will be flashes of production, but there’s a high likelihood that they will be inconsistent fantasy starters.