The league-altering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have now significantly hurt the IDP world of fantasy football. A consensus LB2 in C.J. Mosley just became the biggest name on the defensive side of the football to take the NFL’s opt-out alternative to the 2020 season. Mosley joins Patriots’ linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung as the only rosterable IDPs to have opted out before the season, outside of deeper leagues. This is a monumental blow to the New York Jets’ defense as well. They have now lost two out of three of their best defensive players in a week, having sent Jamal Adams off to Seattle.
While he is now two years removed from his best season, Mosely was set up for big numbers in 2020 as the primary inside linebacker for the team. C.J. signed a massive 5-year, $85 million contract with the Jets before the 2019 campaign. So, it is safe to say the Jets had high expectations for him. Mosley initially made the signing look justified. He recorded six total tackles, two passes defended, a fumble recovery, and a 17-yard interception return for a TD in their season opener last year, before exiting early with a groin injury that effectively ruined his entire season. New York again has to fill Mosley’s void in the middle of their defense.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES
The Jets welcome new Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams to the staff for his first season with the team. Williams’ version of his greatly hybridized 4-3 defense is one that has proven friendly to linebackers over the years. Recently, LBs in his system have had tremendous fantasy production. Both Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey finished top five in the NFL in total tackles in his first season as DC with the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Last year, Schobert again had a huge season and Mack Wilson enjoyed success filling in for an injured Kirksey. Williams’ multiple fronts and high-pressure approach also provides more opportunities for Jets linebackers to rush the passer and create big plays, whether it be sacks, fumbles, or INTs.
THE OPTIONS
One thing the Jets have no shortage of is replacements for Mosley. Inside linebacker Avery Williamson looked to be a stalwart after racking up 120 total tackles in 2018 after signing with the Jets. He lost his 2019 season to injury and will have an $8.5 million cap hit if he plays this season. The Jets do have an out in the contract before the 2020 season. This would save them $6.5 million this season and only leave them with $2 million in dead cap space. His release could also help the Jets get into COVID cap compliance over the next two years. Williamson is the most experienced player left in the room. He also appears to be the most talented on film. It is unknown if he will be ready to play when the season starts, as he is still on the PUP list.
Blake Cashman is a player the Jets were high on last season, prior to the Gregg Williams signing. As a fifth-round rookie out of Minnesota in 2019, Cashman earned an opportunity to play due to injuries to the aforementioned Mosley and Williamson. He recorded 40 total tackles in seven games with five starts before succumbing to a shoulder injury of his own that ended his season. He showed a glimpse of versatility, as he played 89% or more of the defensive snaps for the Jets in those five starts.
The Jets brought in Patrick Onwuasor on a 1-year, $2 million deal that looked like a depth signing back in March. Onwuasor, once viewed as a promising young talent with a reckless abandon play-style, is entering his age 28 season. He is coming off a disappointing 2019 campaign with the Ravens in an attempt to replace, ironically, C.J. Mosley. He lost his starting job to a combination of Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort just six games into the season and never exceeded a 42% snap count the rest of the way. He may be able to spark the old abilities that saw him post 149 total tackles and 6.5 sacks over two years from 2017-2018.
New York re-signed Neville Hewitt to literally the same contract that Onwuasor received. Hewitt was forced to start 12 games last season. While his stats and production looked respectable on paper, PFF scored him with a 40.3 grade that squarely qualifies him as replaceable. He does have more experience and continuity with the rest of the defense than any of the other players mentioned here.
Career journeyman James Burgess was grabbed off waivers after the Jets suffered Cashman’s injury, as the position was decimated. Burgess proved to be an effective plug-and-play starter at LB. He played 96% or more of the defensive snaps the final 10 games of 2019. He recorded 80 total tackles, one fumble recovery, one INT, and a safety in those 10 starts. Oddly enough, he signed a 1-year extension with the team for just $925,000. Burgess did play for DC Gregg Williams in 2017 and 2018 with the Browns. Jets beat writer Brian Costello seems to think Williams has an affinity for him.
THE REST OF THE STORY
The Jets’ situation with Avery Williamson will be one to monitor. As, interestingly enough, Mosley’s opt-out saves the Jets $6 million in base salary plus his $1.5 million prorated bonus. This may be enough incentive to keep Williamson and have him fill the void left by Mosley.
The big winner here feels like Blake Cashman. His success last season early in his career, combined with being a player the Jets drafted, means that he should have the first crack at a starting position opposite Williamson.
Onwuasor, Hewitt, and Burgess would compete for the open position if the Jets part ways with Williamson. This would be a situation that needs monitoring, with no pre-season games and limited acclimation practices. Cashman has some LB3 upside and should be rostered in most formats. If Avery Williamson is retained, he should be a consistent LB3 if and when he is healthy and assumes the starting role. If you need an LB and have space to pick up one of the other players, I would favor James Burgess. At this time, it is hard to say what will happen and project too far out with Williamson’s situation. But, Burgess’s previous success, familiarity with the system as an incumbent, and history with DC Gregg Williams lead me to believe he is the best of the rest.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and countless other quality reads and content offered here at Dynasty Football Factory. Also, you can interact with me on Twitter at @DocFFFN.
