C.J. Mosley wants to finish his career as a Raven

The Ravens young defensive star, C.J. Mosley, has stated that he would love to stay in Baltimore and finish out his career as a Raven.

In an article by ESPN’s Michael DiRocco and Jenna Laine, Mosley is quoted saying “I’ve never been a guy that’s liked change or gone to a new place and start over,” Saturday after the AFC’s final walkthrough before Sunday’s Pro Bowl. “I went all four years at ‘Bama. I was at one high school. I was at one middle school. So I’ll love to stay in Baltimore and continue my legacy and try to be the second-best linebacker to finish out there.”

He is of course referring to Ray Lewis being the undisputed best linebacker in Ravens history.

“I’m pretty sure something will get worked out, but I just focus on football,” said Mosley.

He added “I just leave that to the head of the front office and my agent. I just let them work that out. All I can do is stay healthy and play football.”

“It’s definitely new, talking about contracts and money and all that,” Mosley said. “Everybody is well-respected with the Ravens organization, from the top to the bottom. I love all the coaches, all the players, so I definitely expect to finish my career there.”

The article ends with Mosley saying “I’m not too focused on, when I get back, if it’s gonna be awkward and all that stuff. I think that at the end of the day, we all go there to work.”

The Ravens have already picked up the fifth-year option on Mosley’s rookie contract, meaning he will make $8.718 million in 2018. The two sides have the year to reach an agreement on a long-term contract, which will no doubt be a pricey one.

The Ravens organization clearly values Mosley, both on and off the field, so it seems he will be a Raven for a long time. His desire to stay in Baltimore may mean he is willing to take a discount for the Ravens, since his market value should be pretty high.

Mosley was drafted 17th overall in the 2014 NFL draft by Baltimore. He has made the Pro Bowl three years out of four in his career. According to the article, in the past four seasons, Mosley ranks fifth in tackles with 489, and fifth in solo tackles with 313, among all defensive players. He is second in interceptions among linebackers in that time.

You can read the full ESPN article here.