The Cleveland Browns this past season surprised everyone, as no one expected them to finally have a respectable year.
They went 7-8-1 and finished third in the AFC North Divison, and this was the first time the team finished higher than fourth in their division since 2010.
The team's lack of success has been well-documented. Over the past three previous seasons, they won a total of four games and lost 44. This kind of performance over three seasons is just plain unacceptable. Something had to be done.
After starting the season 2-5-1, the organization decided to fire their head coach Hue Jackson. It was his third year as head coach, and nothing seemed to have changed. They were still as mediocre at best.
They promoted Gregg Williams from within, and everything started to click. They finished the year going 5-3. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield seemed to find confidence from the coaching change. He ended up having a great year, throwing for 3,725 yards with 27 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions.
Defensively, the team showed more effort as well. The team's success in the short term showed promise for a bright future. They only allowed 24.5 points per game, which ranked 21st overall in the league.
The defense has a lot of young talent that shows promise. Their linebacking core headlined by Jamie Collins and Joe Schobert had a combined 207 tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions and 16 tackles for loss. Defensive backs Denzel Ward and Damarious Randall combined for seven interceptions and 20 pass deflections. Defensive end Myles Garrett had 13.5 sacks.
The team has the makings of a solid defense. Their young pieces are only going to get better. However, what they're truly missing is someone who can captain the defense. An All-Pro talent that could solidify and headline their already strong core.
C.J. Mosley would fit this role perfectly.
Mosley has been the most important player on the Baltimore Ravens for five years. The four-time Pro-Bowler is just so impactful and has been the league's best 4-3 middle linebacker.
He has had nine career interceptions along with six forced fumbles and 35 pass deflections. He’s had 90+ tackles every season. He's had 100 tackles four-plus times. His rookie season he eclipsed 150 tackles, something that only the league’s elite linebackers are able to accomplish. Mosley's 469 tackles since 2014 rank fourth in the NFL.
Last season the Ravens only allowed 17.9 points in every contest. This ranked second overall in the entire league. Without Mosley, they would have a huge hole in their defense.
The Browns need to do everything they can to sign Mosely to a long term deal. He would provide a much needed veteran presence.
Middle linebackers are considered the quarterbacks of the defense. Adding Mosley would be a lot like the Chicago Bears adding Khalil Mack this past season. It's a game-changing acquisition.
It will be intriguing to see how the Browns attack this offseason. They have a shade under 80 million to work with. Giving Mosley a five year, $50 million deal is well within their budget. They could even add another sold defensive lineman to their defense as well.
They have all the reasons in the world to go after a talent like Mosley.
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