Here's a fun nugget from The Big Lead about a couple of former Vikings wide receivers and their football analyst roles on ESPN:

"The Big Lead has learned that Cris Carter and Ray Lewis are also expected to be on their way out, and that Randy Moss is expected to be on his way in."

The Big Lead also notes several other expected NFL changes at ESPN and adds that, if true, this is part of a major transition at ESPN. According to Carter's official ESPN bio, he's been at the network for eight years. Moss, a more recent convert to the studio since his playing career only ended after the 2012 season, would bring a fresh voice to ESPN after doing credible work with Fox Sports.

This wouldn't be the first time there was a natural transition from Carter to Moss, of course. Moss and Carter were Vikings teammates from 1998-2001 — with Moss serving as the logical successor as the team's top receiver.

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.