The NY Jets are expected to explore a number of avenues to add some wide receiver help this offseason, but one recent trade proposal from a former NFL general manager probably wouldn’t be the wisest approach.
Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Friday and proposed an outside-the-box trade idea involving the Jets and Dallas Cowboys.
Tannenbaum suggested the Jets could swap star linebacker C.J. Mosley for Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks in a one-for-one trade. The suggestion caught the rest of the panel by surprise, including former Jets linebacker Bart Scott, who vehemently pushed back on the idea.
Scott insisted there was no way the Jets would trade Mosley, especially for a wide receiver like Cooks, who hasn’t topped 700 yards in a season since 2021. The Jets need receiver help, but this probably isn’t their best option.
Trading C.J. Mosley makes no sense for the NY Jets
Let’s start with Mosley. The five-time Pro Bowler is the unquestioned leader and captain of the Jets’ defense. He’s coming off likely the best season of his Jets tenure and, even at 31 years old, continues to play at a high level.
The value he provides the Jets, not only in his on-field performance but with his leadership and experience, can not be overstated. He is one of the most important players on the entire roster.
Now, from a financial perspective, there is some merit to Tannebaum’s proposal. If the Jets were to trade Mosley before June 1, they would save over $11 million in cap space as compared to just $4 million they would inherit if they acquired Cooks.
The Jets need to find ways to create cap space this offseason, and while moving Mosley would accomplish that goal, there are likely better options for the team to explore.
Cooks would no doubt improve the Jets’ wide receiver room, but he might not be a true No. 2 wide receiver at this stage — at least not a high-end one. The 10-year NFL veteran has failed to reach 700+ yards in each of the last two seasons.
If Cooks is made available this offseason, the Jets could absolutely explore a potential trade, but it just wouldn’t make sense to part ways with their defensive captain to make it happen. Mosley, even with his contract, is significantly more valuable to the Jets than Cooks would be.
Something tells me Jets general manager Joe Douglas wouldn’t take Tannenbaum’s suggestion seriously. That’s probably for the best.
