All eyes point to the NFL Draft in Green Bay. Before that, we’ll examine the state of the New York Jets post free-agency in this latest mock draft. While the NFL Draft is a month away, the Jets’ latest move in free agency helps paint a clear picture of their plans. This will be the second Jets mock draft I’ve made this offseason. This Jets mock draft will feature starting positions being filled across both areas of the field. This mock draft will feature all seven of the Jets draft picks in the first six rounds of the NFL Draft this year.

Jets Mock Draft Post Free Agency: New York’s Fresh Start

Before beginning this mock draft, let’s review the Jets moves this offseason. Thus far, the team has addressed significant needs. They enter 2025 with Justin Fields as their new starting quarterback. After an impressive short stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields has grown as a passer since he was with the Chicago Bears. Free agent cornerback Brandon Stephens arrives from the Baltimore Ravens to replace a departed DJ Reed. The defensive line even got additions with three-time Super Bowl champion Derrick Nnandi of the Kansas City Chiefs.

As of this writing, the team still has questions at multiple positions. On offense, they would benefit from addressing tight end, right tackle, and wide receiver. Despite the Justin Fields signing, I believe a development quarterback should be addressed. On defense, adding depth at both defensive tackle and edge rusher will be important. Additionally, finding a true strong safety as well.

First Round/7th overall pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

First-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand had a specialty while on the Detroit Lions. He’s worked well with tight ends. During his tenure, he helped develop two great tight ends between TJ Hockenson and Sam LaPorta. Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is a multifaceted playmaker. Utilized both as a receiving tight end and a fullback, he was essential to quarterback Drew Allar & the Nittany Lions offense. While in Chicago, Justin Fields targeted tight end Cole Kmet over 70 times twice. With Fields’ preference for utilizing tight ends, it makes sense to invest in the position.

Second Round/42nd overall pick: Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia

While the team added to the offensive line with longtime Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers, the offensive line needs help. Despite retaining 80% of their starting offensive line from the second half of last year, the team has a hole. The departure of Morgan Moses has left a vacancy at right tackle. To address this, New York would be wise to select Wyatt Milum. While his arm length has drawn concerns, Milum’s impact both in run blocking and pass protection is undeniable. Standing 6’6″ and 313 lbs, Milum was a consensus All-American who could excel even if he moved inside to guard.

Third Round/73rd overall pick: Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State

The secondary was addressed with the signings of Andre Cisco and Brandon Stephens. However, adding a strong safety to pair with Cisco would be wise. Kevin Winston Jr. has dealt with an injury-filled 2024 and struggles with on-field recognition at times. But with his size frame and strong tackling abilities, head coach Aaron Glenn could develop him into a productive run stopper operating downhill out of the secondary.

Fourth Round/109th overall pick: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

After adding three starting-caliber players in the first three picks, the Jets make another investment at quarterback. With Justin Fields on a two-year deal, New York can still add to the depth chart. After a rough NFL Combine, that shouldn’t hurt Will Howard too much. With over 40 games of starting experience over five seasons, Howard’s experience and strong College Football Playoff run make him an intriguing prospect. In addition, his time with Brian Hartline could lead him to be able to find chemistry with Garrett Wilson in a hurray.

Fifth Round/146th overall pick: Don’te Thornton, WR, Tennessee

When the Jets hired Tanner Engstrand, the Jets hope they can replicate the Lions high-powered passing game. To achieve this, they will need a boundary wide receiver with size and speed. Despite a limited route tree, Tennessee wide receiver Don’te Thornton fits the bill. At 6’5″ with 4.43 40 time speed, he has the tools to be a greay big body receiver opposite of Garrett Wilson.

Fifth Round/157th overall pick(acquired from the Steelers): Kaimon Rucker, DE, UNC

A healthy Jermaine Johnson is going to be great to witness, but the team could still use depth in the trenches. If Kaimon Rucker had more size, he’d easily be a higher draft pick. Despite his 6’2, 254lb frame, Rucker has the tools to be an efficient pass rusher, amassing 14.5 sacks over his final 19 games at North Carolina.

Sixth Round/188th overall pick: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

After selecting Wyatt Milum in the second round, New York will double-dip on the offensive line to start the 6th. While a work in progress as a run blocker, Jack Nelson has major upside in pass protection. In time, he could be a steal if he develops into a swing tackle.

Sixth Round/209th overall pick(acquired from the Chiefs): RJ Mickens, S, Clemson

A full-circle moment for Aaron Glenn. The Jets select the son of Aaron Glenn’s fellow ex=Jets cornerback and friend Ray Mickens. RJ Mickens was a four-year starter at Clemson. Mickens will make an early impact on special teams but could develop in certain sub-packages on defense.

Main Photo: [Michael C. Johnson] – USA Today Sports

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By comparison with the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet first week of free agency. Lions GM Brad Holmes focused on re-signing current players instead of shelling out tens of millions of dollars to acquire outside talent.

The Detroit Lions Most Surprising Free Agency Move

It was a smart move. While other teams had holes to fill through free agency, last year the Lions were one of the NFL’s top teams. Detroit didn’t have many coverage gaps. Even with all the injuries, the team still had a record season. Making sure to retain the players responsible for a 15-2 record and the NFC North Division title was the key priority.

However, in addition to focusing on his internal candidates, Holmes did sign several free agents. The experts were quick to praise  Holmes for his acquisition of cornerback D.J. Reed, nose tackle Roy Lopez and linebacker Grant Stuard. According to expert analysis, all three individuals fulfilled the team needs and fit the Lion’s player profile.

Next, Holmes brought in two more players to increase positional depth. Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen is a reliable backup with experience playing for five different NFL teams. He’s recorded 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a career passer rating of 82.3%. With 19 career starts under his belt, Allen could step in when needed. He could also help mentor Hendon Hooker.

But in a surprise move, Holmes next acquired the Jets backup tight end, Kenny Yeboah. With Sam LaPorta locked in as TE1 and Brock Wright as a solid TE2, Yeboah’s acquisition was unexpected. But on closer examination, it could make sense.

A Surprise Free Agency Acquisition For The Lions 

After playing football at Temple, Yeboah transferred in his senior year to Ole Miss where he set a school record for the most receiving yards by a tight end with seven catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in May 2021, Yeboah was waived the following August.  Re-signed to their practice squad the next day, Yeboah appeared in his first NFL game in October 2021.  By November, he was elevated to the 53-man roster.

Serving primarily as a kickoff specialist for the Jets special teams unit, Yeboah had only two career starts with the Jets. But in his second game playing on offense, Yeboah recorded two receptions for 36 yards. However, during his first two years, he bounced back and forth between injured reserve and the active roster after injuring his hamstring.  

He recorded nine receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown in his four years in New York but Yeboah earned most of those receptions in the last two years. In 2024, he had five receptions for 47 yards along with a two-yard touchdown catch in week 11. With roughly half his total receptions and more than 42% of his yardage coming in the last year would suggest that Yeboah is only beginning to develop his skills.    

What Yeboah’s Signing Means for Detroit

One reason the partnership between Holmes and Dan Campbell is so strong is because they share a similar mindset, particularly when it comes to evaluating players. Holmes has a genius ability for spotting underrated talent. As a former tight end, Campbell knows what characterizes a good player at that position. It’s not hard to believe these two see untapped potential in Yeboah. 

Also at 6′ 4″ and a sturdy 250 pounds, Yeboah could prove extremely useful as a blocking tight end. One of the things distinguishing Dan Campbell’s offense is how his receivers and running backs block for each other. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick, and David Montgomery aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty throwing a key block to open up a lane for a targeted teammate. They understand that disrupting the defense is just another part of their job. 

It will be interesting to see how Yeboah develops this season wearing a Lions uniform. Will he be used exclusively on special teams, or will he become a terrific tight end? Yeboah has a great opportunity to prove himself with one of the most exciting teams in the NFL.

  Main Photo: [Brad Penner] – USA Today Sports

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Five-time Pro Bowler free agent CJ Mosley intends to play this upcoming season despite his release from the New York Jets this offseason. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the former Baltimore Raven standout is not looking to retire anytime soon as he believes he has an opportunity elsewhere. Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product is a free agent for a second time in his career after spending several years with the Jets and now becomes one of the best available on the market. However, the linebacker had a questionable start in his tenure with New York but he managed to produce high-level consistent seasons while capturing his fifth Pro Bowler nod.

It’s no surprise the Jets are moving on from Mosley as he has two years left on his current deal. After resigning Jermaine Sherwood to a new deal, the Jets are moving on with younger talent and the emergence of quarterback Justin Fields means the team is heading in a different direction. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been much of an active market for Mosley which is a bit surprising but the free agency has quiet as well. There are still high-level veteran players on the market but these five teams could bank a chance on the All-Pro.

ESPN: Five-Time All-Pro Free Agent CJ Mosley Intends to Play in 2025 – 5 Potential Suitors

Possible Next Teams

Baltimore Ravens

Last offseason, the Baltimore Ravens didn’t have any luck signing new talent to their defense after losing Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone. The limited cap space came at the worst time for Baltimore’s defense as Trenton Simpson had large shoes to fill. He didn’t have an astonishing campaign so it’s time for the Ravens to find a capable veteran to provide some relief at least one side of the edge rush opposite of Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy. Mosley might be slowing down but he knows John Harbaugh and what they’re looking for.

Los Angeles Chargers

If anyone can bring out the best in Mosley, it’s head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team brought back Khalil Mack on a one-year deal but after cutting Joey Bosa, they need a capable upgrade to provide some relief. Mosley isn’t the long-term answer for the Chargers but since Harbaugh is old-fashioned, the team could use the veteran for as long as they can.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders constructed themselves a fast pass-rushing defense with the additions of Dante Fowler Jr. and Bobby Wagner. However, since Wagner is the only captain who’s returning to this team, the Commanders will need to search for a replacement since they lost Fowler to the Cowboys. Mosley won’t put over five sacks but this roster is capable of bringing out the best in him after bringing something out of Wagner last year that no one has seen before.

Dallas Cowboys

Speaking of the Dallas Cowboys, free-agent Eric Kendricks is still available on the market so it’s surprising the team isn’t looking into him. However, after signing Jack Sanborn and Fowler, the Cowboys are in good hands in the pass rush. There’s no such thing as too many linebackers even though Micah Parsons is waiting for a new deal the team should bring on Mosley for one year to serve as a rotational edge rusher.

New Orleans Saints

The offense doesn’t look promising for the New Orleans Saints this upcoming 2025 season. This means the team will probably continue to maximize their chances to win football games. Demario Davis is returning for what could be his last season in the league and Chase Young is returning. Mosley is on the verge of retirement himself but he could come at a bargain for the Saints who are taking a hit in their cap space

The post ESPN: Five-Time All-Pro Free Agent Intends to Play in 2025 – 5 Potential Suitors appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Tight end Tyler Conklin is still a free agent, but a recent report suggests the seven-year veteran could sign in the coming days. A fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Conklin has never made a Pro Bowl but has developed into a serviceable starter during his time in the league. Last year, the veteran finished the season with 51 receptions for 449 yards, four touchdowns, and a 58.8 PFF grade, the 46th-best mark out of 74 eligible players. Again, he’s no superstar, but he’s a perfectly adequate starter who could thrive as a depth option in the right offense.

With Juwan Johnson re-signing with the New Orleans Saints, Tyler Conklin is currently the best tight end on the free agent market. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets are trying to retain their tight end, but they won’t be the only team interested in his services. New York had the entire offseason to come to terms on a deal, and the fact Conklin is still a free agent suggests other teams are trying to land the veteran.

Jets Want to Re-Sign Free Agent Tyler Conklin – 4 Teams Could Intervene

Denver Broncos

2024 first-round pick Bo Nix had a strong rookie season, guiding the team to the playoffs in his first year under center. The Denver Broncos now have the biggest competitive advantage in sports – a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract – and it’s time for them to take advantage of the opportunity. Tyler Conklin won’t singlehandedly win this team a title, but the free agent will bolster what could be the weakest tight end room in football.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have been aggressive in the offseason, but they’ve surprisingly ignored the available pass catchers. After Justin Herbert endured a season with only one reliable weapon, head coach Jim Harbaugh sounded like he would address the offense in free agency. Instead, the team has only brought back Mike Williams after a disappointing campaign. Tyler Conklin isn’t the most exciting free agent signing, but the Central Michigan product will add a much-needed set of hands to this offense as they try to compete in one of the NFL’s strongest divisions.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have one of the most high-risk, high-reward groups of skill position players in football. While wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders showed promise as rookies, none of the three are locks to be starters for years on end. Perhaps Sanders can take the Year 2 leap, but Tyler Conklin would be a smart free agent signing in the event the fourth-round pick never becomes anything more than an ok role player.

Kansas City Chiefs

Superstar tight end Travis Kelce is returning for another season, but the future Hall of Famer is not the player he once was. With question marks at the wide receiver position, Kansas City could use another reliable tight end to supplement Kelce’s production and help Patrick Mahomes and company keep a stable passing attack. Tyler Conklin is the best free agent option available, and the Chiefs should be able to afford his services.

Main Photo: Kevin R. Wexler – Imagn Images

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While the defensive tackle market isn’t the best, free agent Leki Fotu could receive interest from teams soon. According to a report, Fotu isn’t the best defensive lineman available but he still has a lot of upside as a rotational piece. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Utah product didn’t have an easy rookie season after being put on the injured reserve with an ankle injury but later was activated. Fotu is no reliable starter and is injury prone but he could be a worthy investment in a team’s pass rush.

The NFL Free Agency hasn’t been the best this offseason despite talent like Jonathan Allen and Javon Kinlaw being available. Fotu spent the first few years with the Arizona Cardinals before getting a new opportunity with the New York Jets. The defensive tackle had to miss the entire campaign with the Jets in his first tenure with them and to no surprise, the team isn’t going to bring him back. Fotu doesn’t have a lot of miles in him but these five teams could take a chance on him for what could be his last opportunity in the league if he can’t improve.

Best Available Free Agent Leki Fotu “Gem” Could Have Suitors Soon – 5 Possible Next Teams

Potential Destinations

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints already had themselves a potential steal in free agency this offseason after snatching Davon Godchaux. Many could anticipate winning the starting job while Nathan Shepherd could continue to develop. This means the Saints should still be on a bargain hunt considering their salary cap situation. Fotu won’t start but he could be a solid rotational defensive lineman.

Baltimore Ravens

For the Ravens, it’s never a bad idea for the team to bolster its pass-rushing unit. Last season, the Ravens didn’t have the same defense they were hoping for since losing Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone and a few veteran talents. While the team is getting younger, the team should add a man like Fotu to salvage the trenches behind Nnamdi Madubuike to provide some relief for Broderick Washington and Travis Jones.

Kansas City Chiefs

The same can be said about the Kansas City Chiefs even though they have one of the best defensive tackles in Chris Jones. The Chiefs did lose Tershawn Wharton which could become very costly if they don’t add immediate depth, especially for George Karlaftis. Meanwhile, the team could sign Fotu to get some rotational talent to spare other players breathing room.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had their vision of improving the offense for quarterback Bryce Young but it’s time for the team to do the same for its defense. They’ve done phenomenal acquiring Tershawn Wharton for Derrick Brown’s return but it’s never a bad idea to add depth. The Panthers need plenty of it and while Fotu isn’t the best talent, he could have an upside in Carolina.

Los Angeles Chargers

Nobody loves playing in the trenches more than head coach Jim Harbaugh. After losing Poona Ford, the Chargers should look for another capable lineman to salvage this defense. Fotu won’t drastically change the pass rush but he could provide some relief.

The post Best Available Free Agent “Gem” Could Have Suitors Soon – 5 Possible Next Teams appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

It’s 3 a.m. at a 24-hour diner off the Jersey Turnpike. The coffee’s cold, the jukebox is stuck on Springsteen’s Glory Days, and Jets fans are refreshing their phones like it’s the 1999 Y2K scare. Welcome to the NFL offseason, where hope is served with a side of existential dread—and Aaron Rodgers’ free agency saga feels longer than a Godfather trilogy marathon.

Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Chiefs’ dynasty keeps shedding pieces faster than a ’78 Chevy pickup. Patrick Mahomes’ supporting cast? More like a garage sale. But while Chiefs Kingdom mourns another departure, the Jets are quietly stacking their roster like a poker player with a hidden ace.

From BBQ to Bagels: Nnadi Brings Championship Grit to Gotham

The Jets didn’t just sign a defensive tackle—they landed a human victory cigar. Derrick Nnadi, a three-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs, inked a one-year deal Sunday, swapping Kansas City’s burnt ends for New York’s pastrami-on-rye. At 28, he’s no longer the every-down wrecking ball who started 86 games for Andy Reid. But guess what? The guy hasn’t missed a game between 2020 and 2023. Durability?

He’s the NFL’s answer to Cal Ripken Jr. Nnadi’s stats won’t blow up your fantasy league—233 tackles, five sacks in six seasons—but his value is straight out of a Lombardi playbook. He eats double teams like they’re dollar slices, freeing up All-Pro Quinnen Williams to hunt quarterbacks. Think of him as the Jets’ new fire hydrant in a league full of peeing dogs.

But why now? The Jets lost Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas in free agency, leaving gaps wider than the Lincoln Tunnel at rush hour. Nnadi’s arrival isn’t a splashy fix—it’s duct tape on a leaking dam. Yet for a team that’s missed the playoffs 13 straight years, duct tape beats crossed fingers.

Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, multi-time Super Bowl winner with the #Chiefs, is signing with the #Jets, per his agency @_SportsTrust

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2025

Here’s the twist: This move isn’t about Nnadi. It’s about buying time. The Jets’ front office knows their real test comes in April’s draft. Until then? Rotational veterans like Nnadi keep the lights on. But if you think this solves New York’s woes, you’re mistaking a Band-Aid for a tourniquet. Now, let’s cut to the real drama…

The Aaron Rodgers Waiting Game: A Soap Opera Even Days of Our Lives Would Reject

Aaron Rodgers’ free agency has become the NFL’s version of Waiting for Godot. Days into free agency, the four-time MVP’s decision is murkier than a Louisiana swamp. Will he join the Steelers? The Giants? Or pull a Brett Favre and haunt Green Bay from Minnesota’s locker room?

Sources say Rodgers’ heart is set on the Vikings—a team built to win now, with a 14-3 record and a coach (Kevin O’Connell) who turned Sam Darnold into a $100M man. But here’s the rub.

Minnesota drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024. Signing Rodgers would bench their “future” for a 41-year-old with an Achilles scar and a PFF grade lower than a Cabbage Patch Kid’s credit score. Meanwhile, the Steelers and Giants linger like leftovers.

Pittsburgh offered Rodgers a deal, pairing him with DK Metcalf and Mike Tomlin’s no-nonsense leadership. New York? They’re stuck reheating the same QB casserole—flirting with Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson while Rodgers plays hard to get. As if that weren’t enough, retirement whispers follow Rodgers like paparazzi.

One wrong move, and now he could vanish faster than Blockbuster stores. But let’s be real. This guy has lived in the spotlight for long. Walking away now would be like Springsteen quitting before Born to Run.

Two Teams, Two Timelines

The Jets’ signing of Nnadi is a breadcrumb in a forest of uncertainty. It’s a safe, low-cost bet for a franchise allergic to stability. But in typical Jets fashion, it’s also a reminder of their ceiling: competitive, not contender.

Rodgers, meanwhile, holds the league hostage—a quarterback turned chessmaster in a checkers world. His next move could reshape the NFC North, revive a Steelers dynasty, or leave the Giants stranded at the altar… again.

For Jets fans? Enjoy Nnadi’s grit. For everyone else? Keep the coffee hot. The Aaron Rodgers waiting game isn’t over—it’s just hitting act three. And in the NFL, the final act always comes with fireworks… or a fizzle.

Main Photo: Kevin R. Wexler – Imagn Images

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The best tight end free agent Tyler Conklin could find a new home soon this offseason as his future was already bleak with the New York Jets. According to one source, the Jets want to re-sign Conklin to a new deal but chances of that happening are slim. ESPN’s Rich Cimini doubts the tight end will return back to the Jets since he’s one of the most highly-coveted free agents still out and could have a market sooner rather than later. The tight-end market was robust this free agency since Evan Engram found a new team and Mike Gesicki is returning to the Bengals.

Since the Jets are going to build a new regime under free-agent signee quarterback Justin Fields, it’s safe for the team to move on and fill their tight end void in this year’s draft. For Conklin, he’s still a starter in this league but he’s coming off a down year, recording 449 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Central Michigan product is probably one of the most underrated pass catchers in the league. With the right contender, he should be able to have interest from other teams very soon.

Best Available Tight End Free Agent Tyler Conklin Should Sign Soon – 5 Suitors Emerge

Possible Next Teams

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers finally got a pass catcher to help Justin Herbert’s throwing game after reuniting with Mike Williams. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is still the only capable set of hands with a lot of potential ahead of him but Williams’s presence should increase his production. Will Dissly has his moments but it’s nothing explosive. Perhaps, He and Conklin could form a 1-2 punch in the tight end department.

Dallas Cowboys

As for the Cowboys, the team could use a new tight end other than Jake Ferguson. Luke Schoonmaker hasn’t been phenomenal like the Cowboys were hoping but the Conklin could be a worthy risk for Dallas to help Dak Prescott’s pass game. Conklin and Ferguson may be two nice security blankets so it helps alleviate the pressure off of star wideout CeeDee Lamb.

Kansas City Chiefs

Even though Robert Tonyan is signing with the team as depth, the Chiefs could use another tight end this offseason. Travis Kelce will be playing one more season but if Tonyan outplays Noah Gray, this could mean the Chiefs will move on from Gray. Conklin won’t start but it buys the Chiefs more time to dissect the tight-end department.

New Orleans Saints

Juwan Johnson may be returning, but the New Orleans Saints could use the depth as well. Long-time Eagle Jack Stoll is signing a deal with the team but there’s no guarantee in his production. Conklin is the better athlete of the two and he would be really solid in play-action plays from quarterback Derek Carr.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have finally had a promising offense under quarterback Bryce Young after showing signs of life near the end of the 2024 campaign. Tommy Tremble is coming back which spells good news for wideouts Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Conklin won’t start but he’s a worthy target to install into this offense while they find a Adam Thielen replacement down the road.

The post ESPN: “It Doesn’t Sound Like He’s Coming Back” – Best Available Tight End Free Agent Should Sign Soon appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

It’s the end of an era, as the New York Jets decided to release legendary five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley after five seasons with the club (six if you include 2020, when he opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic). A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Mosley has been a staple of the Jets defense since 2024 and remained a productive player when on the field. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just four games last year, and the rebuilding Jets determined that keeping a 33-year-old linebacker with a $12.78 million cap hit wasn’t in the team’s best interest.

The Jets have released LB and leader CJ Mosley.

— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 6:46 PM

While Mosley’s age and injury history are somewhat concerning, the Alabama product is still a reliable player when on the field. Last year, the veteran recorded 17 tackles in just four games and finished with an impressive 74.7 PFF grade. One year earlier, Mosley started in all 17 games while recording one interception, 152 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and an 82.9 PFF grade, the sixth-best mark in the league. The linebacker won’t earn another massive deal, but the following four teams should kick the tires on the veteran and see what he can bring to the table.

New York Jets Release C.J. Mosley – 4 Teams Could Sign Him

The Best Next Teams

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens narrowly missed a trip to the AFC Championship Game despite never having a full arsenal of talent on defense. The team lost more free agents than they could possibly replace, which led to issues at the linebacker position. Roquan Smith is still an above-average starter, but third-round pick Trenton Simpson could not replace Patrick Queen. Following his Jets release, the Ravens could target C.J. Mosley and once again form the league’s best linebacker duo, assuming the Alabama product is healthy. Nobody loves linebackers more than the Ravens, and Baltimore needs all the help they can get to overcome the loaded AFC.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Franchise icon Lavonte David is returning for one more season, but the former second-round pick cannot do it all on his own. Tampa Bay has made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, but they need more veteran talent if they want to make it past the NFC Divisional Round for the first time since 2020. Baker Mayfield is playing his best football, but he needs more support to get this team to the promised land. Mosley and David aren’t the youngest players in the league by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re a great short-term duo.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are attempting to retain Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Joe Burrow, which means they will have an elite offense for years on end. However, trying to win every game by scoring 40 points isn’t a sound strategy, and they must do something to improve the defense. Following his Jets release, C.J. Mosley would probably welcome the opportunity to play with a true contender.

Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young came to life down the stretch last year, but his performance did not translate to wins because the defense couldn’t stop anyone. The Panthers invested most of their free agent dollars on fixing the defensive side of the ball, but there’s still work to be done. C.J. Mosley is the perfect fit for this defense and could provide the team with an above-average starter in the short term while helping the team chase a division title in the weak NFC South.

Main Photo: Steve Roberts – Imagn Images

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It’s out with the old and in with the new in New Jersey. With the league year officially beginning at 4:00 PM EST, the New York Jets made their final decision on this veteran quarterback. Despite a resume that includes four MVPs and a Super Bowl, he will not be retained. Soon to be Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be released. The 20-year veteran is expected to continue playing, with reports attaching him to two QB needy teams.

Jets to make Aaron Rodgers a post-June 1 cut on Wednesday.www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootb…

— ProFootballTalk (@profootballtalk.bsky.social) 2025-03-12T20:25:27.101Z

Breaking: New York Jets to Release 4-Time MVP Quarterback

The New York Jets are on a mission. They are committed to building the team into the vision of new head coach Aaron Glenn. The former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator is ready to see who will be on the team for 2025 and beyond. Along with general manager Darren Mougey, they want to do what’s best for the team long term. To do so, it made sense to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Before his two-year stint in New York, Rodgers was a staple for the Green Bay Packers organization for 15 seasons as a starter. Succeeding Brett Favre, Rodgers accounted for 475 touchdowns, just under 63,000 passing yards, and a QB rating of 103.6. Throughout that tenure, he won MVP in the 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2020 seasons. Alas, his great play only led to one Super Bowl appearance for Green Bay in 2011. Since then, the team failed to reach the Super Bowl after winning their fourth title.

Rodgers was acquired by the Jets in 2023 in exchange for a 2023 first round pick swap and a 2024th second round pick. Despite great fanfare, Rodgers missed the 2023 season suffering a torn Achilles four plays into his debut vs. the Buffalo Bills. He’d return as the full-time starter in 2024. Unfortunately, Rodgers underperformed finishing 25th in QBR and leading only five wins for New York starting all 17 games.

How the release impacts the Jets?

While he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, the team is making the right decision to move on. Even though Aaron Rodgers can still throw the ball, allowing a 42-year-old quarterback to throw the second most pass attempts in the league is doomed to fail. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will utilize Justin Fields as the team’s new quarterback.

Breaking: Justin Fields has reached an agreement on a two-year, $40M deal that includes $30M guaranteed with the New York Jets, sources told Adam Schefter.

— ESPN (@espn.com) 2025-03-10T18:42:51.136Z

The 2021 first round pick isn’t as accurate of a passer as Rodgers, Fields’ athleticism will make using him on rollouts in play action smoother than Rodgers. In addition, Fields had his highest completion % of his career last season. Along with ten total touchdowns to only one interception. It will also improve the run game with Fields being a threat as a runner. Hopefully this creates more space for running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. After finishing 31st in rushing yards per game last year, the Jets offense looks to get more balanced.

Financially, moving on from Rodgers will come at a price. According to Over the Cap, the dead money from moving on from Aaron Rodgers will be $49 million. As a result, the franchise will split the dead money over this season and 2026. By designating him a post June 1st cut, the Jets cap hit for Aaron Rodgers will be $14 million after June 2nd. As a result, the Jets will be able to free an additional seven million dollars. In 2026, the dead cap hit for Rodgers will be $35 million. While it’s a lot of dead money to carry, general manager Darren Mougey oversaw the same transition with the Denver Broncos this season. Despite the dead money from Russell Wilson’s contract, the Broncos returned to the playoffs last year. So the Jets can still build on this roster through the draft despite the financial implications.

Next Destination for Aaron Rodgers?

Joey Bosa landed with the Bills late last night, while we still wait for Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers…

— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) 2025-03-12T15:55:06.278Z

From multiple reports and himself, Aaron Rodgers seems intent on playing another year. While retirement is still on the table, two strong suitors have emerged. The negotiations appear to be down to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. Of the two, the Steelers have emerged as the favorites, especially after trading for former All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf on Sunday from the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the Achilles injury robbing his rollout abilities, Aaron Rodgers still has a lively arm. Perhaps the move could provide some stability at quarterback, they have searched for since Ben Roethlisberger’s heyday. However, the team is still in communication with Russell Wilson about a potential reunion as well.

Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – USA Today Sports

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