Linebacker C.J. Mosley’s 2024 season was derailed by a neck injury, limiting him to just four games before being sidelined before Halloween. Despite the setback and the New York Jets moving forward with younger players, Mosley, soon to turn 33, is determined to continue his NFL career in 2025, hopeful that teams will consider his experience once he is medically cleared. The discussion about C.J. Mosley NFL free agent landing spots centers on teams in need of a seasoned linebacker who can contribute immediately.
Mosley’s career has been marked by strong run defense and leadership, although his coverage skills were never elite and have not improved over time. Still, his proven NFL performance carries weight, especially in a league where college programs no longer prepare linebackers for the pro level as effectively as before. Teams often take years to develop young linebackers, so Mosley’s readiness to play today remains valuable. Originally drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens out of Alabama, Mosley played under his rookie contract before the Ravens exercised his fifth-year option in 2018.
After making $8.7 million in 2018, Mosley signed a lucrative five-year, $85 million contract with the Jets, including $51 million guaranteed. The Jets extended his deal with a two-year, $17.25 million contract in March 2023, but they released him with a post-June 1 designation following the 2024 season. His limited 2024 output amounted to 17 tackles and no sacks across four games with three starts.
Potential Opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Thin Linebacker Corps
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have retained veteran Lavonte David for a 14th season, but their linebacker depth beyond him is minimal. Young player SirVocea Dennis is the primary candidate to secure a starting role alongside David, with Anthony Walker and Deion Jones as veteran backups. Should those options fall short, Tampa Bay might look toward Mosley. While he is no longer a game-changing linebacker, Mosley’s experience and reliability would arguably surpass what Walker or Jones currently provide. The Buccaneers, aiming for postseason contention, need a linebacker who can maintain solid play in critical moments, and Mosley fits that need if healthy.
Upgrading the Raiders’ Struggling Linebacker Unit
The Las Vegas Raiders stand in need of linebacker reinforcements after losing key contributors Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to free agency and failing to adequately replace them through the draft or free agency. Elandon Roberts, the current leading candidate for the every-down linebacker role, serves mostly as a two-down player. Despite signing Devin White recently, White’s limited playtime and multiple team changes in recent years raise questions about reliability. Additionally, the Raiders have brought in Jaylon Smith, who last played significantly in 2022, alongside a collection of late-round picks and undrafted rookies forming a shallow linebacker group.
In this context, Mosley presents a substantial upgrade even if he only performs at a replacement-level capacity. The Raiders’ coaching staff includes assistant Andre Carter, who coached Mosley during his tenure with the Jets, potentially facilitating a smooth transition and the negotiations required to secure Mosley’s services. Given the Raiders’ weak linebacker room, adding a veteran like Mosley could stabilize the position.
New York Giants Considerations as a Familiar Home for Mosley
The New York Giants could be a less obvious but logical destination for Mosley. The Giants have shown some dissatisfaction with veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke, signed before defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s arrival in 2023. Although cutting Okereke would not free significant cap space immediately due to his $3 million roster bonus, moving him could eliminate his $5.8 million base salary for the upcoming season. Mosley would likely command a substantially lower salary and might be viewed as a comparable or at least a manageable downgrade.
Mosley could be welcomed to challenge or share snaps with Micah McFadden, who currently holds the starting spot alongside Okereke, or serve as depth during training camp. For Mosley, joining the Giants would mean staying in New York, where he’s spent his last six NFL seasons with the Jets, limiting upheaval in his personal life. Additionally, the Giants’ secondary coach Marquand Manuel worked with Mosley on the Jets, offering a familiar connection that could favor Mosley’s signing.
Dallas Cowboys’ Linebacker Injuries Create Potential Opening
The Dallas Cowboys will contend with a depleted linebacker room after breakout linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is expected to miss the entire season due to a major knee injury. The team’s group includes veterans such as Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn, with younger players including Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, and Shemar James trying to step up. This collection lacks depth and proven performance.
The Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, places high importance on having a quality middle linebacker. Kenneth Murray was acquired with that role in mind, but if injuries or inconsistent play arise, the Cowboys could look externally for reinforcement. Mosley, given his experience, might be considered to bolster linebacker depth should the team require a dependable option.
Tennessee Titans Weigh Veteran Presence Amid Linebacker Competition
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan has emphasized the need for linebacker players to challenge for roles during spring and summer preparation. While the Titans added veteran linebacker Cody Barton, competition for the starting position next to Barton is open, primarily among rookies with little NFL experience such as Cedric Gray, James Williams, and Otis Reese. If no clear winner emerges from this group, the Titans may pursue a veteran presence like Mosley to provide stability and reliable play during the 2025 season.
Summary of Mosley’s Free Agency Outlook and Team Fit
C.J. Mosley’s 2024 injury setback challenges his market value as an NFL free agent in 2025, but his history of solid play and leadership still draw interest among teams with linebacker needs. Tampa Bay, Las Vegas, New York Giants, Dallas, and Tennessee each have compelling reasons to consider Mosley for their linebacker room. While health concerns about his neck injury loom large, the combination of Mosley’s veteran savvy and these teams’ roster situations suggests that he will find opportunities to demonstrate his worth, provided he passes medical evaluations.
Mosley’s potential signings could influence team defenses significantly, offering a reliable option who can contribute immediately, particularly in run defense and mentorship roles. His pursuit of a comeback also highlights the enduring demand for experienced linebackers in the NFL and reflects ongoing challenges teams face in developing younger players ready to fill key defensive roles.