C.J. Mosley Will Be A Free Agent
March 5th, 2019
Will hit open market.
The Bucs have upgrading to do at a lot of positions on their football team.
And if anyone believes the defense doesn’t need a major overhaul of talent, that tells Joe these same folks aren’t paying attention.
In Joe’s eyes, there are three untouchables on defense: Lavonte David, Jason Pierre-Paul and Vita Vea. Everyone else should be on notice.
(Joe loves Gerald McCoy and Joe has been a defender of GMC’s and Joe still believes GMC is one of the best defensive tackles in the game. Joe also knows GMC is a friggin’ warrior. If only Joe could shoot video of the physical agony GMC goes through just to get undressed after playing a full game when he easily could have sat out yet another loss and spared himself some pain. But that $13 million contract for a player on a rotten defense puts a bulls-eye on GMC’s back.)
And since Joe has mentioned a good player on a rotten defense, Joe comes to Kwon Alexander. Joe read yesterday by way of Albert Breer of theMMQB.com that the Crows will let inside linebacker C.J. Mosley test the free agent market. Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler, will turn 27 this September.
Additionally, Mosley has missed only three games in his five-year NFL career. In the past two seasons, Alexander has missed 14 games. Alexander has made one Pro Bowl and is coming off knee surgery.
If Joe had to drop $10 million or so on a linebacker (that’s what Alexander’s agent oily Drew Rosenhaus is pushing for) to Joe it’s a no-brainer that cash would be much better spent on Mosley.
Also, Mosley has been a fixture on one of the gnarliest defenses in the NFL. Alexander has called the plays for one of the worst defenses in the NFL annually since he came into the league in 2015 (though the Bucs did have a nice defensive five-game stretch/fluke in 2016).
Last week at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, all sorts of former coaches and general managers were hovering around and Joe discussed Alexander with a former NFL general manager.
Joe mentioned how the Bucs defense, which was on pace to set 99-year NFL records it was so p!ss poor, actually improved when the guy calling plays at middle linebacker, Alexander, was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Joe told the ex-general manager that you shouldn’t be saying how a defense improved without its play-caller and starting middle linebacker. The former general manager agreed and said to Joe, “No, you shouldn’t.”
Look, Joe loves Alexander’s intangibles. He’s just about the perfect teammate. But exactly how are those intangibles leading to wins?
If Joe had to choose right now to pay Mosley or Alexander, it’s Mosley without hesitation.
The Bucs have been anchored in Buccaneers Cove (last place in the NFC South) for all but two seasons since Chucky was jettisoned. Bringing in new blood from winning programs rather than being swayed by emotion and keeping players conditioned to losing might be a better option than what has been tried in the past decade.
March 5th, 2019 at 12:20 am
Lets see if Licht actually makes a good decision in the free agency. Doubt he goes for any big name first day player
March 5th, 2019 at 12:24 am
this is a no brainer so glazers will screw it up… we will see if bruce is a talker or player…. this would be a huge get
March 5th, 2019 at 12:29 am
Now that would’ve been $14 million well spent.
March 5th, 2019 at 1:30 am
Joe, All very good points except maybe the last one-
We’ve already brought in a host of super bowl winning d linemen. They come and go- hit or miss, but do not seem to be the answer just because of pedigree alone. Also, why are they not keeping this guy if he’s so brilliant?
March 5th, 2019 at 1:36 am
He’s been having trouble covering TE’s but he did have 89 tackles.
What’s his asking price?
March 5th, 2019 at 2:09 am
I think he’s coming to Tampa Bay along with L. Collins and the honey badger. Djax and McCoy are toast. Now that free agency is shaping it’s time to let this defense walk the plank im talking about guys like LVD and JPP to go along with GMC and Djax but I think they all leave via the trade market that’s why they are putting extra emphasis on keeping the unit together but I would love to keep the guys from Winston’s draft class and add more guys from that class as well like Moseley and Collins as well as the Honey Badger. That would be a brand new defense especially if we draft D. White early. I think we can trade back into round 1 and coup a Brian Burns for the edge rush.
March 5th, 2019 at 2:18 am
This is one of your better “what if’s” Joe, it’s a no-brainer too, get Mosely!
March 5th, 2019 at 4:07 am
If Mosley had Ryan Smith and Chris Conte playing behind him, you wouldn’t be talking about him right now.
March 5th, 2019 at 5:39 am
Rod … You seem to have this thing for Ryan Smith & I can’t see why. He was totally misused his first year (2016) when Licht insisted he was a safety (despite the fact that he started 22 games as a junior & senior at North Carolina Central as a CORNERBACK). Ryan’s improved both years since they changed him back to his natural position at CORNERBACK. With some quality coaching, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him remain a Buc for quite a few years as quality CB depth at a minimum.
March 5th, 2019 at 5:57 am
There are way more than three untouchables on this roster for the simple fact you can’t and don’t overhaul 8 positions on a defense in one off-season especially after playing for Mike Smith trash defense. Justin Evans is untouchable and so many others considering a switch to a 3-4. Cant get rid of young draft picks AND high priced guys not performing all in one year.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:04 am
Rod- You could argue that Conte would be better with a guy like Mosley.
Regardless, Mosley is better than Kwon, ALL DAY! Upgrade the position.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:19 am
Is Tmax still sleeping?
He would have a field day with McCoy and warrior in same sentence.
I will beat him to punch – cancer93
Let’s see how many times he uses it today
March 5th, 2019 at 6:28 am
Kwon is overrated. He is not consistent as his games swing high one week and low the next week. I actually thought the defense played better when he was out.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:37 am
I totally agree with Joe–Kwon is a good teammate but this is a business and the facts are that Mosley is better and and more likely available on game days. We need to do what is best for the team–yeah that’s right, do not resign Kwon for big money or even close to big money. Upgrade please to Mosley.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:50 am
There are several other untouchables IMO…….Carlton Davis, Jordan Whitehead & Justin Evans…..also add Carl Nassib.
Why would you replace any of these guys….at the very least, if you upgraded they would still provide great depth.
The Mosley question comes down to money…..where do you spend the little resources we have……If you pass on Mosley you almost have to draft Devin White….If you bring Mosely you likely have to trade or cut GMC & draft a tackle like Oliver.
It is doable.
The Mosely $10 figure sort of doesn’t bode well for Kwon’s agent.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:57 am
Say it with me boys and girls….M-O-S-L-E-Y….Mosley! Holy Hell Batman. It’s been 4 times now and although @Joe somehow spelled CJ’s last name correctly in the article (!?), @Joe AGAIN for the umpteenth time has misspelled CJ’s last name on the title of the article….sheesh. I mean WTH man!
That said, reuniting Mosley and Collins, along with the new addition of Quinnen, would sure be some kinda Saban blessing to Bucs’ Alabama South squad!
Maybe we can all kick in on a hooked-on-phonics at Abe’s Place or the Pressbox for the @Joe’s….seeing as how M-O-S-L-E-Y is so hard to continuously spell! 🙂
Go Bucs!! Maybe Alabama South coming soon! Quinnen…Quinnen.
March 5th, 2019 at 7:03 am
I cannot believe our luck, Baltimore isn’t franchising LB CJ Mosley? I know we are a bit tight against the cap but like Joe said if Kwon wants $10m after his knee injury, let him look around but we need to get this guy day 1. THEN if Kwon doesn’t get what he wanted them maybe a 1 year “let’s see” deal, the more great LBs the better! Ok Jason & AB you know what we need & if they can get CJ that frees up the draft too. I like the LSU LB but now maybe trade down for more picks & hopefully a DE like Montez Sweat. Go Bucs & Go Get’em Jason.
March 5th, 2019 at 7:34 am
Mosley, white an LVD at linebacker hopefully Beckwith will be back an there you have it. A defense that could potentially go from worst to 1st beef up the trenches an get some great linebackers an I think we can roll with our DBs maybe not lol one could dream tho
March 5th, 2019 at 7:37 am
I don’t disagree with getting CJ
However , They won’t though. Other then possibly getting safety Mathieu , the Bucs will be players on second and third tier rounds of free agency.
If I had to guess , they will go guard and corner back as well in FA . Guys that are not great but will fill such a really bad hole that it will still be better then what we had. I mean Caleb Benenoch is que terrible and que lastima at the same time. But , he was playing out of position ? (Yah – he should have been at a position on the bench)
They don’t have the money as a result of overpaying and rewarding average play.
March 5th, 2019 at 7:42 am
@StoutGospel AKA spell check. I need your help. STFU! Did I spell that right? Joe made a mistake….get over it. I’m sure there isn’t one reader who did not know the player Joe was referring to. You popcorn fart!
March 5th, 2019 at 8:12 am
I keep seeing it mentioned how Bucs improves once Kwon was injured but isn’t that also about the same time mike smith was fired and differ took over? I find it odd that is never mentioned
March 5th, 2019 at 8:13 am
Sounds like Hardy Nickerson Part 2…
March 5th, 2019 at 8:15 am
Take Mosely, Landon Collins, and Dee Ford, then let G. McCoy walk. Draft Josh Jacobs and all the offensive lineman available. Go Bucs!
March 5th, 2019 at 8:18 am
20 comments😊,nice try dude. But you and that podcast boy ain’t swaying nobody. Why give Mosley 10mill when you can draft what many feel will be a once in generation talent in Devin White come next month??? Think again homeboy.
March 5th, 2019 at 8:19 am
Awwww…@mixxx. Hi 🙂 It’s a 16th mistake, not a “mistake”, and it’s the same one. Lol/.
But look now as of 8:16 am, it’s now corrected. Hmmm.
“Popcorn fart” wow…you’re really pullin’ out all the stops killer.
🙂
Mosley would be a…..stout…addition indeed, we’ll see if the execs want it to happen!
Go Bucs! Get Quinnen!
March 5th, 2019 at 8:21 am
All this josh Allen nonesince I’m trying to recall a football player ever leaving Basketball U Kentucky and making real noise in the NFL.
March 5th, 2019 at 8:49 am
Stout, Q is the only player that will make them pause if he is still on the board which I don’t expect after the combine. Q is the only talent I have above Devin White because his impact will be immediate much like Devin’s will be. If one can assure me one of these DE’s will have a day one impact like Jevon Kearse did then maybe but typically it takes those DE’s a year or so before they get it. BA ain’t got a year or so. He said “you draft a star and hope you never draft that high again”. Check the Bucs app and see who most of those columnist feel will be the first pick. Why??? This team needs its own defensive field general not someone eleses looking to cash in because it’s time to paid.
March 5th, 2019 at 8:52 am
Devin White round 1,Khalen Saunders round 2 problems solved.
March 5th, 2019 at 9:13 am
This is who the Bucs need!!!!!! Please please please
March 5th, 2019 at 9:27 am
Yeah @Jamaal….Q ALL day long!! Q getting by the Jets and Raiders just duzn’t seem very probable, I hear ya. But if he duz get to #4, then what???…Like someone else said on here fist recently. Would Licht and BA see the wisdom in adding that 10-12 year stout pillar to our Line, and trade up with Gruden, perhaps greasing the wheels with DJax to do it, if Gruden duzn’t get his Antonio Brown before instead??
Could be!
Go Bucs! Land Quinnen!
March 5th, 2019 at 9:34 am
I keep mentioning Khalen Saunders because (not saying he will be Warren Sapp) he reminds me of Warren and played in a 3-4 base while at Northern Illi. Crazy athleticism for 324lbs,ran a 5.01 40 which is ridiculous for that size. If 93 sticks around which gut says he will his eventual has to be taken early in this draft. Khalen’s highlights show him inside and outside that 3-4 scheme.
March 5th, 2019 at 9:37 am
we never sign a quality free agent always go for the bottom feeders. Mosely would bring an attitude and a winning way to locker. sign him please.
March 5th, 2019 at 9:42 am
FA signing: anthony barr-DE, Mosley-MLB, honey badger-safety, ramon foster-G
draft: Ed Oliver first round, tytus howard second round, DE-third round, RB 4th round…..
4FA’s and a nice draft and we’ll take off…..this team isnt in for a major turnover….the major turnover already happened….dumping the previous coaching staff….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
March 5th, 2019 at 10:58 am
Devin White vs. Mosley? Easy choice
March 5th, 2019 at 11:17 am
Wait, only 3 untouchable??
Evans ain’t goin anywhere boys and neither is OJ
I got 5 untouchables!
March 5th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
It wasn’t a coincidence that the defense improving might have also had something to do with Mike Smith’s departure more so than Alexander getting hurt. It wasn’t Alexander that diagrammed the defenses, had the corners playing 10 yards off, never brought pressure. Yeah, he was calling plays. Plays drawn up by a senile old man whose best days in the NFL were way way behind him.
March 5th, 2019 at 12:24 pm
@Stout
I ain’t no killer but don’t push me. LOL