Randy Moss' debut season with the San Francisco 49ers has been a modest affair.
He's usually good for two or three catches per game, many on intermediate routes that allow little opportunity to break the big plays he became legendary for during his time with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. Moss is still capable as a receiver, but the days of him ripping the top off petrified defenses are long gone.
Still, Moss has been a good soldier and he's seen his role grow as injuries have tested San Francisco's depth at wide receiver. On Friday, Niners coach Jim Harbaugh made it clear he'd like Moss to come back next season.
"I, for one, definitely want Randy to come back," Harbaugh said, via the Bay Area News Group. "I hope he feels the same way."
Moss sigend a one-year, $2.5 million deal in the offseason and finished the regular season with 28 receptions for 434 yards and three touchdowns. When told about Harbaugh's comments, Moss was tight-lipped.
"I have no comment, bro."
For fans of a certain age, it's almost hard to watch this very mortal version of Moss hang around as a part-time possession receiver. If he still loves going to work on Sundays, we imagine he'll be back for a 15th NFL season.
But we can just as easily imagine Moss -- fully aware his superstar days are behind him -- easing back into retirement. This time for good.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
