C.J. Mosley and His Potential Fit with the Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are actively reshaping their roster for the 2025 NFL season, aiming to build a championship-caliber team following a competitive 2024 campaign that ended with a narrow playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With significant offseason moves, including the acquisition of wide receiver Davante Adams and the release of Cooper Kupp, the Rams are addressing key areas of need. One position group that stands out as a priority is the linebacker corps, which has been identified as the team’s weakest defensive unit heading into 2025. Among the potential solutions is veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley, a former New York Jets star and five-time Pro Bowler, who was recently released by the Jets and is now a free agent. Let‘a take look at Mosley’s career, his potential fit with the Rams, and how his addition could impact the team’s defensive outlook.

C.J. Mosley’s Career Overview

C.J. Mosley, born June 19, 1992, in Mobile, Alabama, has established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent and productive linebackers over his decade-long career. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (17th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, Mosley quickly made an impact. During his five seasons with the Ravens (2014–2018), he earned four Pro Bowl selections and four second-team All-Pro honors, showcasing his ability to dominate as an inside linebacker. His stats with Baltimore included 597 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles across 77 games.

In 2019, Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets, becoming one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league. His tenure with the Jets was marked by both brilliance and challenges. From 2020 to 2023, Mosley continued to perform at an elite level, earning another Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after recording 151 tackles, 7 passes defensed, and a 90.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. However, injuries hampered his 2024 season, limiting him to just four games due to a herniated disk in his neck, where he managed 17 tackles over 110 snaps. The Jets released Mosley in March 2025 to alleviate a $12.78 million cap hit, making him a free agent at age 33.

Mosley’s career totals are impressive: 1,083 combined tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and 34 tackles for loss across 10 seasons. Despite his injury-riddled 2024, his track record suggests he remains a capable starter when healthy, bringing leadership, football IQ, and versatility to any defense.

The Rams’ Linebacker Situation

The Rams’ linebacker unit has been a point of concern since the departure of Ernest Jones before the 2024 season. In 2024, Christian Rozeboom led the team with 135 tackles but left in free agency to join the Carolina Panthers, leaving a significant gap in production. Currently, the Rams’ inside linebacker depth chart is thin, with Omar Speights as the centerpiece. Speights showed promise in 2024, progressing as a downhill tackler, but lacks the coverage skills and experience needed to anchor the position full-time. The team also added Nate Landman in free agency, but he is seen as a complementary piece rather than a definitive starter.

Analysts, including Pro Football Network’s Mark Stolte and For The Win’s Cory Woodroof, have highlighted the linebacker position as the Rams’ weakest defensive group heading into 2025. The Rams’ defense, led by coordinator Chris Shula, relies on versatile players who can contribute in both run defense and pass coverage. While the team boasts young talent like Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and safety Kamren Kinchens, the lack of depth and experience at linebacker could hinder their ability to compete in the competitive NFC.

Why C.J. Mosley Fits with the Rams

1. Experience and Leadership

Mosley’s 10 years of NFL experience and five Pro Bowl appearances make him an ideal candidate to stabilize the Rams’ linebacker corps. His leadership qualities, honed as a captain with both the Ravens and Jets, would provide a veteran presence for a relatively young defense. The Rams have leaned on young players like Speights, Verse, and Kinchens, but adding a seasoned player like Mosley could accelerate their development. His ability to read plays, communicate pre-snap adjustments, and mentor younger linebackers aligns with head coach Sean McVay’s emphasis on building a strong team culture.

2. Versatility in Coverage and Run Defense

Mosley’s skill set is well-suited to the modern NFL, where linebackers must excel in both run defense and pass coverage. His 2023 season demonstrated his coverage prowess, with a 90.6 PFF coverage grade, a 74.4 passer rating allowed in 2022, and just two touchdowns surrendered over the past three seasons. This makes him an ideal complement to Speights, who is more effective as a downhill tackler but struggles in coverage. Mosley’s speed and range, stemming from his college days as a safety, allow him to cover tight ends and running backs effectively, addressing a key need in Chris Shula’s defensive scheme.

In run defense, Mosley’s 1,083 career tackles and 34 tackles for loss highlight his ability to stop ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage. His 8.8% missed tackle rate in 2023 further underscores his reliability as a tackler, which would bolster the Rams’ front seven alongside edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young.

3. Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing

At 33, Mosley is no longer in his prime, and his 2024 injury raises concerns about durability. However, his release from the Jets makes him a cost-effective option for the Rams, who have approximately $30 million in cap space. Analysts suggest Mosley could sign an incentive-heavy, one-year deal, minimizing financial risk while offering significant upside. His 2023 performance indicates he can still perform at a high level when healthy, and a short-term contract would not preclude the Rams from drafting a linebacker in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold the 26th overall pick and eight total selections.

4. Strategic Fit in the Rams’ Defense

The Rams’ defensive philosophy under Shula emphasizes speed, versatility, and playmaking. Mosley’s ability to play multiple roles—whether as a WILL linebacker, a coverage specialist, or a run-stopper—makes him a seamless fit. Pairing him with Speights could create a balanced linebacker tandem, with Mosley handling coverage duties and Speights focusing on run defense. Additionally, Mosley’s experience in high-pressure situations, including playoff games with the Ravens, would be invaluable for a Rams team aiming to make a deep postseason run.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While Mosley’s fit with the Rams is compelling, there are challenges to consider:

Injury Concerns: Mosley’s 2024 season was derailed by a herniated disk, limiting him to four games. At 33, his ability to stay healthy for a full season is uncertain. The Rams would need to conduct a thorough medical evaluation to assess his recovery and long-term durability. Also, he doesn’t have to be a every down player, it the Rams could bring him in as a one year rental, his potential impact on Shula’s defensive could be huge.
Age and Decline: While Mosley’s 2023 season was elite, his performance may naturally decline as he enters his mid-30s. The Rams must weigh whether his contributions justify a roster spot over a younger, developmental player.
Draft Strategy: The Rams could address their linebacker needs in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially targeting a blue-chip prospect. Signing Mosley might reduce the urgency to draft a linebacker early, but it could also limit snaps for younger players such as Elias Neal. If the Rams draft a linebacker, Mosley’s experience would be helpful in getting a rookie up-to-speed quickly.
Cost and Expectations: While Mosley is likely to sign a cost-effective deal, his expectations for playing time and role could complicate negotiations. The Rams must ensure he is comfortable with a potential one-year, rotational role if younger players emerge.

Impact on the Rams’ 2025 Outlook

If the Rams sign C.J. Mosley, the immediate impact would be a strengthened linebacker corps, providing stability and experience to a unit in need of both. Mosley could slide in as a starter alongside Speights, replacing the production lost with Rozeboom’s departure. His presence would allow the Rams to focus their draft capital on other needs, such as cornerback (where they need help opposite Darious Williams) or quarterback (to groom a successor for the 37-year-old Matthew Stafford).

On the field, Mosley’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs would improve the Rams’ pass defense, which struggled at times in 2024. His run-stopping prowess would complement the pass-rushing duo of Verse and Young, creating a more balanced front seven. Off the field, Mosley’s leadership would enhance the Rams’ locker room culture, aligning with Shula’s vision of building a cohesive defensive unit.

From a broader perspective, signing Mosley fits the Rams’ aggressive offseason strategy. After adding Davante Adams to an already potent receiving corps featuring Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, the Rams are signaling their intent to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. Mosley’s addition would address a critical defensive weakness, adding to their championship-caliber roster.

Final Thoughts

Mark Stolte of the Pro Football Network listed one remaining free agent that every team in the National Football League should consider signing this summer. He believes the Rams should consider signing veteran defensive back C.J. Mosley, as they could use the help. “C.J. Mosley only played 110 snaps for the New York Jets last season in an injury-riddled campaign. With that being said, the last time he was fully healthy (2023), he played out of his mind with a 90.6 coverage grade, 105 tackles, a missed tackle rate of just 8.8%, and made the Pro Bowl,” Stolte said.

Personally, I am on the fence, a low cost deal may be worth the potential risk, and as mentioned, the Rams medical staff would need to do their due diligence.

As the Rams continue to reshape their roster, signing Mosley would align with their aggressive approach to 2025. Whether he reclaims his throne as one of the NFL’s top linebackers or serves as a reliable stopgap, Mosley’s addition could be a pivotal move in the Rams’ quest for another Lombardi Trophy. With the NFL Draft and further free agency moves on the horizon, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if this prediction becomes reality.

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