In return for Moss’ services, the Patriots will receive Minnesota’s third-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

Rumors had been floating around for a couple of days that the two teams were talking and a deal was likely to get done.

Moss made his frustrations known after the team’s season opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Since that time, things have only gotten worse for Moss, who wants a new contract since he is in the final year of his current deal.

New England got on the board early with a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady to wide receiver Wes Welker.

The Patriots once again found the end zone when wideout Randy Moss made a beautiful one-handed grab over Darrelle Revis.

Revis left the game with an injury, leaving Antonio Cromartie to cover Moss, and he did an excellent job.

As the New England offense grinded to a halt, the Patriots defense couldn’t find an answer for balanced attack from New York.

Mark Sanchez carved them up through the air and Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson sliced them up on the ground.

Moss’ contract is up after the season and he may be starting to get concerned that he won’t be back.

In the offseason, Moss predicted that he would be cut by the Patriots because they didn’t seem happy with his presence.

He said it’s frustrating that despite all the work and effort he has put in, the Patriots haven’t tried to extend his deal.

Moss said that he has learned to understand the nature of the business, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

It’s a pretty devastating blow to the the Patriots, who don’t exactly have a lot of depth in the secondary. They will now have to rely on a second-year player and a rookie to be their starters in the defensive backfield.

For a New England team that struggled on defense last season, this is certainly anything but welcome news. Bodden started 14 games last year, tying for the team lead with 5 interceptions and had 17 pass deflections.

Holt was bothered by a knee injury. At age 34, it could mark the end of Holt’s remarkable NFL career.

He was signed by the Patriots in the offseason after spending last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Patriots felt the veteran would provide tremendous depth and could even see significant playing time if Wes Welker wasn’t fully healed.

Holt was very disappointed that would miss out on the chance to play with a great quarterback and under a legendary coach.

Welker’s status entering training camp has been a hot topic in New England and throughout the NFL.

Many felt that Welker was going to be ready to play, so the medical staff must not have cleared him.

He is still on track in his recovery from ACL surgery and could be back for the start of the season.

It gives the Patriots a chance to evaluate some other wide receivers who can now get more reps with Welker on the sidelines.

Welker, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, had been expected to miss the start of the season. But he has recovered well ahead of schedule, with the Patriots saying he’ll be able to participate in all drills, including ones with contact.Welker torn his ACL in the last game of the regular season in 2009, and an extended absence this season would’ve been difficult for New England to deal with considering how productive he is. Welker has exceeded 100 catches and 1,000 yards receiving in each of his three seasons in Foxboro, and set career-highs with 123 catches and 1,348 yards in 2009.

In fact, it seems as though the sides may actually be farther apart now than they were before.

Brady wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback, but the Patriots are balking at that commitment.

The Patriots probably have some reservations after watching Brady’s uneven performance last year.

The quarterback believes he is set for a monster season now that he has a full year under his belt following ACL surgery.

The Patriots could end up re-signing him at some point, but both sides will go separate ways for now.

Springs played just one season for the Patriots, taking the field for 12 games and recording an interception.

New England drafted Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty in the first round, making Springs expendable.

Several NFL teams will likely express an interest in Springs, but his age and injury history could make him a tough sell.

Welker seriously injured his knee late in the season last year and underwent offseason surgery.

The wideout also elected to have surgery on his rotator cuff since he knew he would be sidelined with his injured knee.

He said that it is so early in the recovery process that he can possibly put together a timetable for his return.

It’s likely that the Patriots will have to play most, if not all, of next season without Welker.