For the Baltimore Ravens, it is about to lose its anchor on defense for the last five years.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team does not intend on franchise tagging inside linebacker C.J. Mosley – which means he enters the market next week as an unrestricted free agent.
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
Despite the former first-round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft stating his loyalty to Baltimore on many occasions, the Ravens are not paying Mosley.
The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder recorded 100+ tackles in four of the last five seasons, including 105 stops in 2018 to lead the team.
Mosley was a four-time Pro Bowl selection (2014, 2016-18) and second team NFL All-Pro honoree (2014, 2016-18), while guiding the Ravens to the playoffs last season with a rookie quarterback in Lamar Jackson taking over during the middle of the year.
RELATED: Giants Unlikely to Franchise Tag Landon Collins
A former All-American and Butkus Award winner at the University of Alabama, Mosley has compiled 579 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, nine interceptions, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries at Baltimore.
Of the teams that need a game changer at linebacker, expect the Theodore (Ala.) native to get a call very soon.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
