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New York Jet CJ Mosely opts out of 2020 season
Date: August 2, 2020By: Michael Daly
Michael Zirrilli/Associated Press
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley has opted out of the 2020 NFL season, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini and Adam Schefter. Concerns for his family’s health was the primary reason for Mosley sitting out of the upcoming season.
BREAKING: Jets LB CJ Mosley has decided to opt out for 2020 due to family health concerns, sources tell ESPN. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 1, 2020
Drafted in 2014 by the Baltimore Ravens, Mosley signed with the Jets as a free agent in March 2019. He was intended to be a key member of New York’s defense in 2019. Mosley sat out 14 games in 2019 with an ongoing groin injury. He receives an annual salary of $17.5 million, making him the highest paid player on the team.
This news is the latest blow to the Jets’ defense, as they traded Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks, last week. New York anticipated Mosley’s return to the field in 2020, which will no longer happen. The next time the Jets will see Mosley in MetLife Stadium will potentially be in the 2021 season.
Mosley is the second player on the New York Jets who chose to opt-out for the impending season. The first player was offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi who opted out on Tuesday, July 28.
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Unfortunately for the New York Jets, it seems that there will be more players choosing to sit out of the 2020 NFL season. New York’s defense will have to rely on linebackers Neville Hewitt, Avery Williamson, and Patrick Onwuasor to fill the gap left in Mosley’s absence in 2020.
NFL players that opt-out of the season will be financially compensated during the season. Players deemed to be at a high risk for COVID-19 will be paid a $350,000 for the approaching season. Players that sit out who are not a high risk for COVID-19 will be paid $150,000 over the course of the season.
Mosley is now one of 30-plus players in the NFL who will not be gearing up for the season. Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first NFL player that chose to sit out.
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Notable players among the 30 names opting-out are Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams, New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess, and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.
Another AFC East team that has been impacted by players sitting out are the New England Patriots. Wide receiver Marqise Lee, safety Patrick Chung, running back Brandon Bolden, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Dan Vitale, and center Najee Toran have all opted out of the season for New England.
Michael Daly is the Station Manager of 89.5 FM WSOU, and can be reached at wsoustationmanager@gmail.com.
