Ravens, LB Mosley continue contract negotiations

Linebacker C.J. Mosley is one of 10 unrestricted free agents for the Baltimore Ravens and could be in line for a very big contract, but coach John Harbaugh said Friday he hopes financial limitations don't get in the way of his return. "Yeah, you'd rather have C.J. back," Harbaugh at a team news conference. "There's always the give and take of course. There's limitations with the money. But C.J. wants to be back and we want him back, so I think that's a really good formula for a player coming back. I'm not even going to entertain the possibility that won't happen."

The Ravens selected Mosley, an Alabama product, with the No. 17 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. In five seasons, he has 597 tackles, nine interceptions, 8.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. The Ravens and Mosley have been negotiating since at least the spring but haven't come to an agreement. The Ravens and his agent reportedly held recent contract discussions. The Ravens could choose to use the franchise tag on the 26-year-old Mosley, but that figure could be more than $15 million in 2019. Baltimore might not have that kind of salary cap flexibility.

He earned $8.7 million in the 2018 season. Meanwhile, Harbaugh also provided general timelines for players who underwent surgeries after the season, none of whom should be in danger of missing some of the 2019 season.

Left guard Alex Lewis (shoulder surgery) is expected to be back by training camp, while safety Tony Jefferson (ankle), outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (sports hernia) and cornerback Tavon Young (sports hernia) are on track to be recovered within four to six weeks, meaning they should be prepared for offseason workouts. Like Mosely, Smith is scheduled to hit free agency in March. The 26-year-old is coming off a career season in which he had 8.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits, bringing his career totals to 18.5 and 52, respectively, through four seasons. He played both on the edge and the interior, giving the Ravens' complex defense more flexibility.

A fourth-round pick in 2015, Smith made $3.5 million on his rookie deal, including $1.9 million in 2018. --Field Level Media