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Cowboys Make $94M Power Move: All-Pro LB Set to Fix NFL’s Worst Run Defense

Posted on June 18, 2025 - 3:12 am by

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season was a defensive nightmare, with their run defense collapsing spectacularly and dragging the team to a disappointing finish. Ranking a dismal 28th in overall team defense and an even worse 30th against the run, the Cowboys were gashed on the ground week after week. As the offseason begins, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has identified fixing this porous run defense as Dallas’ top priority. However, any major moves hinge on resolving the contract of All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is set to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. Once Parsons’ deal is secured, the Cowboys could make a game-changing addition by targeting five-time All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley. Could this veteran star be the key to turning around Dallas’ defensive woes? Let’s break down why Mosley is the perfect fit and how he could transform the Cowboys in 2025.

The Cowboys’ Run Defense Disaster

The 2024 season exposed the Cowboys’ defense as a glaring weak point. Allowing a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry, Dallas struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks, often leaving their offense in unwinnable situations. The front seven, in particular, was a revolving door, with missed tackles and poor gap discipline plaguing the unit. Injuries didn’t help—projected starting linebacker DeMarvion Overshown suffered a devastating knee injury, leaving his return uncertain until at least Thanksgiving 2025, if he plays at all. With the defense ranking 30th in run defense metrics, per ESPN, the Cowboys face an urgent need to bolster their front seven. However, their ability to make significant moves depends on resolving Micah Parsons’ contract, as his massive extension will shape Dallas’ salary cap and offseason strategy.

C.J. Mosley: A Proven Veteran Solution

At 33 years old when the 2025 season begins, C.J. Mosley is far from a stopgap signing—he’s a potential game-changer. A two-time BCS National Champion and Butkus Award winner at Alabama, Mosley was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite inside linebackers, earning four Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first five seasons. After signing a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Jets in 2019, Mosley faced setbacks, including groin surgery in 2019 and opting out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic. Yet, he bounced back with authority, recording at least 150 tackles in each season from 2021 to 2023 and earning his fifth All-Pro nod.

In 2024, injuries limited Mosley to just four games due to toe and neck issues, including a herniated disc. However, ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes that Mosley was not released with a “failed physical” designation, suggesting he’s healthy and ready to contribute. With $94 million in career earnings, Mosley remains a highly sought-after free agent. For the Cowboys, his tackling prowess, leadership, and ability to plug gaps against the run make him an ideal fit to stabilize their crumbling defense. As Kristopher Knox wrote on June 17, “Players like C.J. Mosley and Raekwon Davis could help strengthen the depth of Dallas’ front seven.”

Why Mosley Fits Dallas’ Needs

Mosley’s skillset aligns perfectly with the Cowboys’ defensive deficiencies. His ability to read plays, shed blocks, and bring down ball carriers would directly address Dallas’ struggles against the run. Unlike recent linebacker additions like Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn—who have failed to inspire confidence—Mosley brings a proven track record and veteran presence. His experience as a five-time All-Pro would provide leadership to a young linebacker corps, especially with Overshown’s uncertain recovery. Mosley’s instincts in the middle of the field could also complement Micah Parsons’ explosive pass-rushing, creating a balanced front seven capable of shutting down both the run and pass.

Moreover, Mosley’s signing would be a cost-effective move for a team navigating Parsons’ looming megadeal. While not cheap, Mosley’s contract would likely be a short-term, high-impact deal, allowing Dallas to address immediate needs without long-term cap strain. His ability to step into a starting role immediately would fill the void left by Overshown and elevate a defense that desperately needs an anchor.

The Risks and Rewards

Signing a 33-year-old linebacker coming off a neck injury carries risks. Mosley’s limited play in 2024 raises questions about his durability, and the Cowboys would need assurances of his health before committing. Additionally, Dallas’ recent linebacker moves—trading for Murray and signing Sanborn to a one-year, $1.5 million deal—have fallen flat, underscoring the need for a reliable veteran. If Mosley can return to his 2021-2023 form, when he averaged over 150 tackles per season, the rewards could be immense. His presence would not only shore up the run defense but also provide a stabilizing force for a unit that lacked cohesion in 2024.

The bigger challenge lies in timing. With Parsons’ contract negotiations taking precedence, Dallas must act quickly to secure Mosley before other teams—potentially contenders like the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs—swoop in. If the Cowboys can lock in both Parsons and Mosley, they could transform their defense from a liability into a strength, setting the stage for a playoff push in 2025.

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense hit rock bottom in 2024, but the offseason offers a chance for redemption. Signing C.J. Mosley, a five-time All-Pro with a proven track record, could be the spark that turns around their abysmal run defense. With Micah Parsons’ contract as the top priority, Dallas must move swiftly to secure a veteran like Mosley, whose leadership and tackling ability could stabilize a unit in disarray. As the Cowboys aim to reclaim their status as NFL contenders, Mosley’s addition could send a powerful message: Dallas is back, and their defense means business. What do you think—can Mosley and Parsons lead the Cowboys to a defensive turnaround? D