Baltimore Ravens: 5 most important players for next 5 years
By Cory Hughes
2. C.J. Mosley
When Ray Lewis hung up the cleats after the Super Bowl win in New Orleans, it was a bitter-sweet day for the team and the fanbase. They just won their second Super Bowl and the first ballot hall of famer went out on top. However it was also the hall of fame linebacker’s last time on the football field and in a Ravens uniform. Most fans would say that role is one that could never be filled. Then along came Mosley. I’m not saying he’ll fill the void of Ray Lewis, I’m not sure anyone can take that task head on. But he’s the closest thing we’re going to get, and that’s not a terrible thing. Over his first four seasons Mosley has accumulated 474 tackles, eight sacks, eight interceptions and 30 pass deflections. He also made three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.
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When the off-season began, most fans probably thought the front office had two goals: Sign a big name wide receiver and secure Mosley for the foreseeable future. Most of us were surprised to see Mosley not get his contract extension. Which is confusing because extending the All-Pro linebacker would have opened up cap space. Secondly I don’t think the front office wants to see a player like Mosley hit the open market.
With the things he has accomplished at just 26 years of age, Mosley undoubtedly will be the leader of the Ravens defense for years to come. And come next offseason, extending the linebacker will be the first of many tasks for new general manager Eric DeCosta.