Randy Moss won't be back with 49ers in 2013

On second thought, the 49ers won't be bringing Randy Moss back. (USATSI)

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said in mid-January that he "definitely" wanted Randy Moss to return to the 49ers for the 2013 season. However, it appears a few things have changed over the past six weeks. A league source told ProFootballTalk that the 49ers plan to "steer clear of Moss in 2013."

Moss then sent out a tweet on Saturday evening that seemingly confirmed he won't be back with the 49ers next season.

Wished we could've finished the job!!thanks for the opportunity an good luck in the future 9ers

— Randy Moss (@RandyMoss) March 3, 2013

No specific reason was given for Moss' departure, but his antics leading up to the Super Bowl probably didn't help his cause. On Super Bowl media day, Moss complained about his role on the team, saying, "I don't like my role. I don't. I like to be out there playing football."

Moss' role in 2012 included catching 28 passes, which tied a career-low. Moss and the team most likely weren't seeing eye-to-eye on what his role should be, which isn't too surprising when it comes to Moss.

One of the first hints that the 49ers may not want Moss back came at the NFL Combine when 49ers general manager Trent Baalke gave a noncommittal answer when asked about Moss' future in San Francisco, "We're certainly happy that he was [in San Francisco]," Baalke said. "Is he going to return this year? I don't know that yet."

Someone who might be disappointed to see Moss go is starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick. In an interview with the NFL Network on Feb. 28, Kaepernick had this to say about Moss: "He was great to me. He made sure I knew what the defense was doing. He was someone that helped me a great deal and I hope he's back with us."

If Moss latches on with a team for next season, it would be the fifth team he's played for since 2010.

If Moss doesn't latch on with another team, the self proclaimed "greatest receiver to ever do it" will end his career with the second most receiving touchdowns in NFL history (156), the third most receiving yards (15,292) and the ninth most receptions (982).

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