Former Ravens first-round pick retires, and his career arc proves he and Baltimore were simply better together

Mosley's best seasons of play undoubtedly came in Baltimore, where he started 77 games across five seasons before leaving in free agency to sign with the New York Jets for a monster contract. Four of Mosley's Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections came in those five seasons in Baltimore — although it was considered to be a bit of a risk at the time that the Ravens drafted him. 

A hip injury prompted Mosley to undergo surgery ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft, creating some uncertainty about his durability, which allowed him to fall into the Ravens' lap with the 17th overall pick. He was promptly named a starter entering his rookie season and finished as the runner-up for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014. 

By the time Mosley left for New York in 2019, he'd developed a sterling reputation as a defender and earned a five-year, $85 million contract to go play in New York. He suffered an injury early in his first season with the Jets before opting out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It was a disastrous start, but Mosley regained his footing as a prominent talent at linebacker in 2021, proceeding to miss just one game across the next three seasons. He re-negotiated his contract ahead of 2024 and struggled with injuries before being released at the start of the league calendar year in March. 

Now, he's set to start his life after football. Ravens fans should remember Mosley's years in Baltimore fondly — as will Mosley. Now that his career is in the books, it's evident that both parties got the best of each other when they were together.