Randy Moss and his agent are both saying $100 million is a realistic contract. But can the Vikings really afford that contract and keep enough talent around the star receiver?

A day after saying that he expects a contract in the $100 million range, the reverberations over Randy Moss’ comments have centered on how much the Vikings value Moss.

While speaking on a Washington D.C. radio interview, Moss didn’t specify how long he wanted his contract for that $100 million — or the $18-20 million signing bonus — but those of us at VU don’t think the Vikings can or will give in to that type of demand. Red McCombs and Dennis Green have both been overly supportive of Moss, but, in reality, there is no $100 million contract in the NFL. Granted, Brett Favre and Drew Bledsoe have signed similar deals, but neither of them will be around to see such a deal to fruition. Moss is young enough that he could play out such a contract and has made it clear that he isn’t concerned about the salary cap ramifications for signing other players.

Many of us at VU said the Vikings should have signed Moss long-term last year, despite the team’s cap problems. Moss’ price has doubled in one season and, unless he backs off the demand, the Vikings are likely to pay him $10 million a year. He also said in the interview that he wants to play in the NBA. That is wishful thinking times two — if the Vikings do give in to his demands, the NBA will have to wait 10 years.

The response to Moss’ latest comments hasn’t been positive. Many now believe that he is looking out more for himself than as a team player. In the same week that Jerry Rice was forced to leave the 49ers and Herman Moore took a 70-percent pay cut, the Vikes may be better served to have Moss play two more seasons and let him go than give into his demands. He is the preeminent difference-maker in the NFL, but, if you take his comments at face value, it may be time to start exploring what the team can get in exchange for him rather than trying to figure out ways to leave the team with an arm tied behind its organizational back.

THURSDAY NOTES
* Moss’ comments about the NBA were made even more ridiculous by his 1-for-6 shooting performance in the USBL. In 19 minutes he scored four points and, with that level of competition, he’s better working out with Michael Jordan than thinking he compete on his level.
* The Vikings signed undrafted free agent WR Tyrone Sutherland from Northern State Wednesday.
* Five Vikings are starting in NFL Europe — DT Tim Engelhardt and LB Antonio Wilson of the Barcelona Dragons, DT Winfield Garnett of the Amsterdam Admirals, OT Tim Humphrey of the Scottish Claymores and DE Antwone Young of the Berlin Thunder.
* DE Michael Boireau is still suffering from a virus that has affected his vision and caused his right eye to droop. VU was unable to get a decisive word from the Vikings if they’re convinced the condition will improve. Boireau has seen specialists in Minneapolis and Florida and the problems continue.