'Intangibles' tipped it for Moss

There was silence as Randy Moss's agent pondered the question for a moment.

Was there ever any doubt that Moss would wind up back with the Patriots?

Tim DiPiero's answer, or in this case non-answer, spoke volumes about whether the three-year, $27 million contract that Moss signed Monday was a slam dunk.

"No comment," he said politely.

But DiPiero feels confident that both sides are happy with the final result. Yesterday, he detailed parts of the negotiations with the Patriots.

"During the season, and after the final game, Randy made comments that he hoped he could get back to the Patriots, and it was clear from our discussions that was his priority," DiPiero said. "When the deal didn't get done in the first and second day, I think teams started to wonder if it was inevitable like everybody thought it was. We started getting some attention.

"At that point, I think it's just human nature that if someone is sounding excited about getting you and maybe is offering more money than you're getting from the team you want to go to, it's natural to weigh that possibility."

DiPiero declined to divulge the teams with whom he talked, saying he gave them his word. He also declined to discuss how close Moss came to signing elsewhere or how much more money was offered.

According to Philadelphia media reports, the Eagles were one team that pursued Moss.

So what ultimately sparked the deal with the Patriots?

"In the long run, there are just certain intangibles," DiPiero responded. "Often times, when people judge whether a contract is a success, they look at how much it's worth. But there is more to life than just pure money.

"In this case, Randy experienced some intangibles during the year, from his friendships, to his relationship with the coaching staff and others in the organization. Those intangibles had some value here.

"I think Randy saw that he was in a great situation. Sure, he could have made more money, if that was his only consideration. I think he's more mature now. So once we were able to work out some details, we got it done. We weren't going back and forth trying to play games with the Patriots. The negotiations were done in good faith."

The amount of guaranteed money was a sticking point, but DiPiero acknowledged that one aspect that helped negotiations was that the Patriots declined to place the franchise tag on Moss.

"I think Randy and coach [Bill] Belichick developed a mutual respect that is kind of neat," DiPiero said. "I can't speak for Coach Belichick or [vice president of player personnel] Scott Pioli, but I think the organization was trying to send Randy a message of respect. It was showing they wanted to work on a multiyear deal that Randy would be happy with. We thought that was a positive sign."

As for the interest from other teams, DiPiero said he received some calls as free agency began, but his sense was that "most teams thought it was inevitable" that Moss would return to New England.

DiPiero said he never felt Moss became frustrated with the negotiations.

"I just think we needed time to sort this out," he said.

DiPiero senses that Moss is especially motivated now.

"I don't want to speak for him," he said, "but I think he feels there is some unfinished business."

Moss's contract calls for base salaries of $1.9 million in 2008, $6.4 million in 2009, and $6.4 million in 2010. His salary cap charge is $6.5 million in 2008, $10.5 million in 2009, and $10.5 million in 2010.

Gaffney signing reported

A day after the Patriots reached agreement with Moss, they reportedly retained another key member of the receiving corps. According to the NFL Network, Jabar Gaffney agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the team last night.

Gaffney came on strong by the end of the season, overtaking Donté Stallworth as the team's primary third receiver. He finished with 36 catches for 449 yards and five touchdowns.

With Moss, Gaffney, Wes Welker, and Kelley Washington under contract, the Patriots have four of their top five receivers from 2007 returning. Stallworth is the lone target to move on, having signed with the Browns.

Gaffney originally joined the Patriots during the 2006 season, signing a two-year contract in hopes of reviving his career. His reported $2 million deal for 2008 is worth more than he made over the last two seasons with the Patriots.

Cornerback Webster is added

The Patriots signed free agent cornerback Jason Webster yesterday; terms were undisclosed. Webster met with team officials at Gillette Stadium and an agreement was reached quickly, with Webster canceling a scheduled trip to meet with the Giants.

"Jason is an experienced veteran who will add good depth to our secondary," Belichick said in a statement.

The 5-foot-9-inch, 187-pound Webster enters his ninth NFL season. He has suited up for San Francisco (2000-03), Atlanta (2004-06), and Buffalo (2007), playing 87 career games with 74 starts. Injuries have sidelined Webster in recent years; he played in only one game last season after breaking his arm.

The Patriots lost cornerbacks Asante Samuel (Eagles) and Randall Gay (Saints) in free agency, and figure to continue adding players at the position.

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