MOSLEY OUT
Jets star linebacker will sit out 2020 season over concerns over COVID-19
The Jets suffered their second significant blow in a week after C.J. Mosley informed them that he is opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.
A few days after Gang Green traded away All-Pro Jamal Adams, they lost a player that was expected to be the engine of Gregg Williams' defense this season.
Mosley, who signed a monster 5-year, $85 million last year, played just two games last season due to a nagging groin injury that ultimately required core muscle surgery.
“He's the engine that drives this thing,” linebackers coach Frank Bush said this offseason. “It's like losing your starting quarterback (last season). He's the guy that we send the call and he's the guy that's going to make the adjustment and he's going to get us in and out situations.”
Mosley made a terrific Jets debut in the season opener against Buffalo (six tackles, two pass deflections, fumble recovery and pick-six) before exiting with a groin injury in the second half. The Jets blew a 16-point lead in the second half without the quarterback of their defense.
Mosley, whose decision was initially noted by ESPN, sounded optimistic about his rehab this spring. Although the Jets finished 10th in Football Outsiders defensive efficiency ratings in 2019, they were ecstatic about getting back the former Ravens Pro Bowler.
Mosley averaged 988 snaps per season in the first five years of his career before logging just 114 defensive snaps last season.
“He's a mature, calming force for the defense,” Bush said in the offseason. “A guy that's seen a lot of football, understands the nuances, knows where to be, knows who to get, how to get him and he can also get everybody lined up and point them in the right direction.”
It'll be fascinating how Williams overcomes losing the Jets' two best defensive players.
Mosley is the second Jets player to opt out after reserve offensive linemen Leo Koloamatangi made the same decision earlier in the week. Players have until August 8 to officially opt out.