C.J. Mosley made the Pro Bowl in four of his five seasons with the Ravens.
During those same five years, the New York Jets surpassed five wins just once.
The Jets paid Mosley handsomely in free agency, not just to solidify the inside linebacker position. They want him to help change their culture, to show them how to practice, play, and commit to winning.
Mosley is eager for the responsibility. He made his first public comments Friday since he signed with the Jets for a reported five years, $85 million with $51 million guaranteed according to Spotrac.
Mosley as a Jet sounded like Mosley as a Raven. He was to the point, and ready to take care of business.
"When I talked to coach (Adam) Gates I told him pretty much, I'm not coming here to lose," Mosley said. "I'm sure the new coaching staff didn't come here to lose either. You can see with the additions they added in the offseason. Time to make some changes."
The Jets unveiled new uniforms Friday and are billing this year as the start of a new era. They made a splash during free agency. In addition to Mosley, the Jets signed running back Le'Veon Bell, former Ravens left guard Kelechi Osemele and wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
Mosley was a key piece of a Ravens defense that was ranked No. 1 in 2018. The Jets plan to have Mosley wear the microphone helmet on defense and to relay the defensive signals. It's a role Mosley relishes.
"You're calling the plays out, you're the mike, so you're definitely the quarterback," Mosley said. "Not to throw any shade or disrespect to the players that've been here. But when you get paid that kind of money and get put on that pedestal, you know what kind of position you're in. Lucky for me, I might change teams, I might change cities, but I'm still the same player. I'm excited to prove to my new teammates and my new staff and fans that I'm ready to come out here and win."
While the Ravens won the AFC North last season, the Jets haven't won the AFC East since 2002. With their new additions and coaching staff, the Jets are trying to build a team that can end the New England Patriots' stranglehold on the division.
That's a tall order, but Mosley signed up for it. The Ravens will host the Jets next season, and the return to Baltimore to face former teammates and coaches will surely be emotional for Mosley. He showed his appreciation to the Ravens with a classy statement following his departure. But Mosley sounds committed to beginning a new phase of his career.
"I've always been a guy that let my play do the talking," Mosley said. "Obviously I'm going to be a little more rowdy on the field. Off the field I'm kind of laid back, don't talk too much. I'm ready to try and have the No. 1 defense and be champions of the East."
