The Jets have not played a game yet and they already have suffered another loss.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley, the highest-paid player on the team, notified the NFL he will opt out of the 2020 season, according to sources. Mosley cited family health concerns as the reason, sources said.
In an uncertain season because of COVID-19, the NFL has set up an opt-out for players that allows them to sit out the season and push their contracts into 2021. Mosley is in the second year of a five-year, $85 million deal that he signed with the Jets in March 2019 after five years with the Ravens. That deal will now run through 2024 instead of 2023.
Mosley’s decision is another blow to the Jets defense, which lost star safety Jamal Adams last week when the team traded him to the Seahawks.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will now have to figure out how to operate without his top two defensive players.
Mosley’s contract tolls, which means it basically freezes. His cap number was going to be $17.5 million for 2020. His new cap charge should be $10 million, according to Over The Cap. He is eligible to receive an advance of $150,000 that is borrowed against next year’s salary. If he is deemed a high-risk opt-out, that would be a $350,000 advance.
The Jets signed Mosley in 2019, hoping he would solidify their defense. His impact was felt immediately in Week 1 against the Bills. He had an interception returned for a touchdown, broke up two passes, recovered a fumble and seemed to make every tackle from sideline to sideline. Then, his groin popped while defending a deep pass down the field. Mosley left the game and the Jets defense fell apart, blowing a 16-point lead in a 17-16 loss.
Mosley would play just one more game all season, coming back against the Patriots in October, but struggling to move around the field. He was shut down after that game and had core muscle surgery in December.
In June, Mosley said he would be ready for training camp. The Jets were excited about having Mosley back in the middle of their defense and as a leader in their locker room.
Though this is a significant blow to the Jets, inside linebacker is one position where they have depth. Avery Williamson is expected back after missing last season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Mosley’s injury increases Williamson’s value and should end any questions of whether he will be on the team this year.
Williamson was placed on the physically unable to perform list on Thursday but is expected to be able to practice at some point in training camp.
With Mosley and Williamson both injured last year, plenty of Jets received valuable playing time. Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman and James Burgess all started last season and return this year. The Jets also signed Patrick Onwuasor, who started for the Ravens early last season.
Mosley is the second Jets player to opt out, joining reserve offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi. Mosley is one of the highest-profile players to opt out. The Giants lost tackle Nate Solder this week to an opt out. The Patriots have had several players opt out, including top defenders Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung.