Hours after the new league year began on Wednesday, the Jets moved on from their defensive captain.
The Jets announced they have released linebacker C.J. Mosley after five seasons in a move that was widely expected.
Ahead of free agency, the Jets re-signed Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract. They also have Quincy Williams, who has posted four consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
“It is hard to move on from a player like C.J. Mosley who has given everything of himself to an organization,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said in a statement released by the team. “From everything we learned about C.J. – he is a passionate leader, who put the New York Jets first and got the most out of his teammates. We wish him and his family the best as he moves forward with his career.”
Mosley has been a mainstay on the Jets defense since 2019 after signing a massive five-year, $85 million contract with $51 million guaranteed. But he played in two games from 2019-20 because of a groin injury and after opting out because of the COVID pandemic.
Mosley returned in 2021 and the middle linebacker registered three consecutive 100-tackle seasons. He averaged 155 tackles, from 2021-23 and was named a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler following the 2022 campaign.
However, Mosley’s 2024 season was riddled with injuries. He missed three games after suffering a toe injury in the Jets’ Week 2 victory against the Titans.
Mosley returned to play games against the Bills and Steelers in Weeks 6 and 7. But mysteriously, he did not play again for the Jets after suffering a neck injury before their game against the Patriots.
Mosley was later placed on injured reserve and, in total, missed the final 10 games of the season. He finished with 17 tackles, which was his fewest since 2019.
Meanwhile, in his absence, Sherwood had a career year after finishing with 158 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two sacks.
“C.J. was the epitome of a class act as a teammate, player, and leader for the last six seasons,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “The passion and commitment he brought each day to the organization inspired his teammates to give their all. We sincerely thank C.J. for his countless sacrifices and dedication, and wish him all the best moving forward.”
Last off-season, Mosley took a pay cut after agreeing to a revised two-year contract. The Jets will make Mosley a June 1 designation release, saving $4 million. Had the release been a pre-June 1 designation, they would have lost $3.7 in salary cap space.