C.J. Mosley is the undisputed leader of the Jets’ defense from his middle linebacker position and is one of the most respected presences in the locker room.
Once the offseason begins, he plans on using those traits to try and bring more talent to One Jets Drive.
Mosley said Wednesday that he will do his part to recruit free agents to New York. The Jets currently have just over $48 million in salary cap space, according to Over The Cap, giving Joe Douglas the freedom to fill numerous holes once free agency begins in March.
“I think just being a leader and kind of being put in that situation, I’ll have to say something,” Mosley said Wednesday. “I’m not big on talking to people and trying to recruit people, but that’s part of it.”
The Jets have had their fair share of success in free agency recently. Corey Davis endured a rocky first season as New York’s No. 1 wide receiver, but he was signed at a reasonable price and figures to give Zach Wilson a serviceable weapon to work with in the final two years of his contract. George Fant had a strong season at right tackle before suffering a season-ending knee injury and Connor McGovern played well at center before succumbing to an injury of his own. New York still expects big things from the injured Carl Lawson, as well.
There have been plenty of misses, though, and some of that can likely be attributed to the team’s recent lack of success. The Jets have won just six games over the last two seasons and have not made the playoffs in 11 years. Free agents like to win and there have not been too many triumphs in Florham Park lately.
Mosley’s response to that critique is a simple one: be part of the solution and use your talent to get the Jets out of the AFC East basement.
“You should be the reason why they should win,” Mosley said. “That’s why I came to the New York Jets. I wanted to come here and turn a losing organization around. If you’re scared to come here because you think you might lose, then don’t come.”
Mosley isn’t exactly a vocal player, but his track record could help the Jets sign impact free agents — especially on defense — this offseason. As good as New York’s 2021 draft class looks like it is going to be, the rebuilding process is likely never going to truly take off unless talented players are consistently added from the open market.
If Mosley has his way, 2022 will be the year that happens.
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