As expected, C.J. Mosley has generated immediate interest during the legal tampering period. In addition to the Jets’ and Redskins’ interest, a Ravens division rival would like to pry the linebacker away from Baltimore.
The Browns are in on the Mosley pursuit, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. They hold north of $68MM in cap space and recently released Jamie Collins, though Cleveland — which has Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey — is not desperate for a linebacker addition. Mosley, however, is far more accomplished than the Browns’ incumbents.
The four-time Pro Bowler may want to reset the market for non-rush linebackers. Collins’ $12.5MM-AAV deal is no longer the standard, and Luke Kuechly‘s $12.4MM-per-year accord tops the market. Of course, with that deal having come several years ago, it would stand to reason Mosley’s camp would want him to top that price.
With Washington having just authorized a safety-record $14MM-AAV pact for Landon Collins, it can be fairly safe to assume that will be the team’s big-money defensive deal. The Browns have far more cap space than the Redskins, but the Jets hold more than both teams. Eric DeCosta said he believed Mosley would be back in Baltimore; that will be a big test for the first-year GM, with the pursuit heating up.
I asked and now I receive
I really think the colts should sign Mosley. Imagine him paired with Darius Leonard
I love Mosley (and Anthony Barr), but I don’t think it’s worth it for the Browns to pay big money for either. They have Schobert/Kirksey/Avery already and while I definitely think they could use some depth behind that, I’d rather they spend on a big money deal elsewhere.
CJ wants too much for a dude who can’t cover
Cleveland would be a lot closer to having a lockdown defense with Mosley. He’s worth the cash. A few more pieces. up front and at safety…