In a surprising move, the New York Jets have released star linebacker CJ Mosley, marking the end of his tenure with the team. The decision to cut Mosley, who was one of the highest-paid players on the Jets’ roster, has sent shockwaves through the NFL community.
CJ Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler, was signed by the Jets in 2019 from the Baltimore Ravens in a five-year deal worth $85 million, making him one of the highest-paid inside linebackers in the league. However, his time with the Jets was plagued by injuries and COVID-19 related issues.
In his first season with the Jets, Mosley played only two games due to a groin injury that required surgery. His second season was completely wiped out when he opted out due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Mosley returned to the field and showed flashes of his old self but was not able to consistently perform at the high level he had shown in Baltimore.
The decision to cut Mosley will have significant financial implications for the Jets. They will have to absorb a substantial amount of dead money on their salary cap. However, it also provides them with some much-needed cap relief in the long run.
The move signals a clear shift in strategy for the Jets under new head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. It appears they are willing to absorb short-term financial pain for long-term gain. The release of Mosley indicates that they are looking to build a younger, cheaper roster that can grow together over time.
Despite his struggles in New York, Mosley is likely to attract interest from other teams around the league. He is only 29 and has proven in the past that he can be one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL when healthy.
The release of Mosley marks the end of an era for the Jets. He was one of the last big-name free agent signings made by former general manager Mike Maccagnan. His departure is a clear sign that the Jets are moving in a new direction under Saleh and Douglas.
While Mosley’s time with the Jets did not go as planned, he will always be remembered for his debut game against the Buffalo Bills in 2019. In that game, he had a pick-six and fumble recovery, showing Jets fans a glimpse of what could have been.
The Jets’ decision to cut Mosley is a bold move, but it is in line with their new philosophy of building a younger, more cohesive team. It will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the team’s performance in the coming seasons.