The market was hot for linebacker C.J. Mosley this offseason after the Baltimore Ravens allowed him to hit free agency. But it didn’t take long for a team to pull the trigger and sign Mosley to a big contract.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets have agreed in principle to a five-year, $85 million deal with Mosley during the NFL’s legal tampering period, which started on Monday. The deal, which includes $51 million guaranteed, will become finalized when free agency officially begins on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.
The Ravens now have a big hole to fill in the middle of their defense. Over five seasons with Baltimore, Mosley has accounted for 597 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, nine interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), and five fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown.
In addition to pure stats, Mosley has been the de facto leader of Baltimore’s defense. He’s frequently been the one with the headset helmet to relay calls to the rest of the defense. Most importantly, however, has been Mosley’s health. In five seasons, Mosley has missed just three games — something the Ravens defense has had trouble with at other positions.
With Mosley gone, the starting role opens up to a competition. However, Patrick Onwuasor is likely the front-runner after Baltimore signed him to a second-round tender ahead of free agency. Still, it’s likely the Ravens look to free agency or the draft to add at least one other inside linebacker to their depth chart.
