As we continue to think through and break down all the angles of the trade that sent receiver Randy Moss back to Minnesota, the biggest loser in the transaction will be receiver Bernard Berrian.
Berrian, signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Bears in 2008, started strong that year, notching nearly 1,000 receiving yards as the field-stretcher in the Vikings’ West Coast offense. But he hasn’t clicked with Brett Favre, due to injuries in 2009 and ineffectiveness in 2010.
Berrian slid into the Favre doghouse in Week Two, when Berrian failed to catch (or prevent the interception of) a back-shoulder throw at the goal line from Favre. Said Favre after the game, “I put it where I wanted it, let’s put it that way.”
Moss’ return puts Berrian on the bench, let’s put it that way. Though he still has some value as a substitute, he’ll only be seeing the ball if Moss is doubled and Percy Harvin is doubled and Visanthe Shiancoe is doubled and Berrian is wide open and waving his arms like Jimmy Orr in Super Bowl III.
Even then, we’re not sure Favre will throw it to him.
That said, it would be a surprise if Berrian is cut. As a vested veteran, he’d be entitled to the balance of his $3.7 million base salary — and he’d also be able to get paid by another team, like the Bears.
