C.J. Mosley Released by Jets Amid NFL Free Agency; Saves $4M in Salary Cap Space

The New York Jets announced they released veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley, freeing up $4 million in salary cap space.

Mosley finished his 10th NFL season—his fifth with the Jets—with 13 solo tackles in four games and three starts.

The Jets won’t see much immediate cap relief from Mosley’s release. His $12.8 million charge will remain on the books until June 1, at which point it will decrease to $8.8 million, providing a $4 million savings. However, there’s still a $7.7 million cap hit for next year. Additionally, Mosley has $4.25 million in guaranteed salary for 2025, stemming from last year’s renegotiated contract, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Jets owner Woody Johnson had high praise for the vet after the team announced his release on Wednesday.

"C.J. was the epitome of a class act as a teammate, player and leader for the last six seasons," Johnson said, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. "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."

Mosley, a No. 17 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Alabama, was a member of the 2014 NFL All-Rookie Team, starting in 16 games for the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded 88 solo tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and 12 quarterback hits in his rookie season.

He went on to participate in five Pro Bowls before slowing down this past season after suffering a herniated disk injury in his neck, sidelining him for a handful of games during the Jets' 5-12 season.

Amidst the Jets' turbulent season, which included head coach Robert Saleh being fired after a 2-3 start, Mosley described the 2024 season as a "tough year," per the New York Jets Jack Bell.

"(This year) it was tough to pretty much miss most of the season," Mosley said, per Bell. "It started with the weird toe injury, then the non-contact neck injury. So I mean, it was... personally, it was tough."

After signing with the Jets in 2019 during free agency, where he played in only two games due to injury, he reflected on the similar nature of his first and most recent seasons in New York.

"J​ust reflecting back, started the year off great (a pick-6 in the opener against Buffalo) when I first got here as a Jet and, you know, had that crazy (groin) injury that put me off of the year," Mosley said, per Bell.

The Jets' captain, set to turn 33 before next season, was the eighth-oldest linebacker in the NFL last year, an obstacle he will face as he starts exploring the market for a new team.