Elite linebacker to hit market as Ravens won't tag CJ Mosley
By Tyler J. Smith@RaiderDamus Mar 4, 2019, 4:05pm PST
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Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders, as usual, find themselves in need of more help at linebacker, and today it was reported that a very talented one will be searching for riches on the free agent market.
A representative for C.J. Mosley said he has been told that Baltimore will not use its franchise tag on the Ravens' linebacker, per a league source. Mosley expected to be an unrestricted free agent, without a tag.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2019
Baltimore finds itself at the mercy of the franchise tag rules here, because even though Mosley is an elite middle linebacker, he'd be getting the $15 million tag level that an edge-rushing linebacker would get, because as far as the rules go they are the same positional group.
If the Raiders were to want Mosley's services, they would not be alone in that respect. Baltimore's AFC North-mates Cleveland and Pittsburgh will surely be in the market for a middle linebacker as well, as would any number of other teams, including the Broncos.
Over his five-year career with the Ravens, Mosley has accounted for 579 tackles, 8.5 sacks and nine interceptions. He isn't considered great in coverage, but is one of the best run-stopping MLBs in the NFL and a fan favorite in Baltimore.