It's official.

The Vikings and Patriots both posted items on their websites that the teams have agreed to a trade that will send wide receiver Randy Moss back to Minnesota for a third-round pick in 2011. The Vikings also will receive the Patriots' seventh-round pick in 2012.

Vikings coach Brad Childress will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Winter Park and Moss will address the media after Thursday's practice.

"We feel very good about the opportunity to add a player of Randy Moss' caliber to this football team, Childress said in a statement released by the Vikings. "He is a tremendous competitor and was an integral member of the Vikings organization from 1998-2004. Once again, ownership was completely supportive of our efforts to add a valuable football player to our team. I know the entire organization is thrilled to welcome him back to the Twin Cities and look forward to his contributions."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick issued the following statement on the Patriots website: "Over the course of the past several months, I have spoken with Randy and his representative about Randy's place on our team and his future in football. Consistent with my dealings with Randy from the day we acquired him through our conversation this morning, it has been honest, thoughtful and with great mutual respect. "While I will keep private the details of internal conversations with players and staff, suffice it to say that many things were taken into consideration before making the trade. In this business, there are complex and often difficult decisions, but it is my responsibility to make them based on what I feel is best for our football team, in both the short term and long term. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Randy Moss and aside from facing him as an opponent, I wish him the very best for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career."