"I don't think they are going to extend my contract here," Moss told both The Boston Globe and Boston Herald on Saturday.
Moss stressed that he bears no ill will to the Patriots, saying that "it's the business of it, man… there is not bad blood. There is no animosity on my side or their side."
Moss is entering the final season of a three-year, $27 million contract he signed following the 2007 season. He viewed that contract as a "blessing in disguise," given that the Patriots "don't really pay."
The 33-year-old Moss made his comments at a charity softball event in Jupiter, Fla., hosted by former Patriot Heath Evans. While making comments regarding his contract situation, he noted that he feels quarterback Tom Brady, also finishing up his contract this season, will return to the Patriots.
ESPN.com's Mike Reiss writes that Moss is far from the Patriots' priority as the team wants to focus on current free agent Vince Wilfork, then turn their attention to Brady.
Moss' $6.4 million base salary makes him the highest-paid Patriot on the team entering 2010, and Reiss wonders if the Patriots will be willing to make such an outlay yet again.
"Would they pay him No. 1 receiver money he might command elsewhere?" Reiss writes.
Moss finished the season with 1,234 yards and 13 touchdowns on 83 receptions in an up-and-down season. He was sent home by the Patriots along with linebacker Adalius Thomas (who is expected to be released) and two others for being late to a team meeting during a snowstorm this past season. Moss also had his desire questioned by an opponent, but reports in January surfaced that Moss played most of the season with a separated shoulder.
"The last couple of years I've played through so much," Moss noted.
He continued to stress that his desire is to remain in New England, but that history dictates he likely will be moving on.
"I got a lot of respect for the Patriots and what they did for me and my family. So, the only thing I can do is just play this year out and see what my future holds after that. "
