C.J.

Mosley

The deal includes $2 million guaranteed, and has incentives that could push its total value to $10 million. Mosley made just three starts and played 323 snaps last season, but was one of the top run stuffers for the league’s ninth-ranked run defense.

Knighton missed three months after a nightclub brawl left him needing eye surgery. Mosley used that chance to seize the starting job and he hasn’t looked back. Look for Knighton to rotate in behind Tyson Alualu and Mosley.

Knighton started the first four games, managing seven tackles and one sack. He’s getting replaced by C.J. Mosley, who started against the Bears before the bye and picked up five tackles. It’s bad timing for Knighton, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Mosley was released by the Jaguars on Monday. Highly productive against the run last season, Mosley would provide depth behind Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in Detroit.

The former Jaguar visited on Tuesday. Mosley was released just two days ago, and has yet to make any other visits. It doesn’t sound like the Lions are going to give him the opportunity.

He signs just two days after being cut by the Jaguars. Mosley overtook Terrance Knighton on the depth chart last season, but was viewed as a poor fit for new coach Gus Bradley’s system. A pure run-stopper, Mosley should see somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 snaps behind Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.

The move frees up $2.475 million in salary, but saves less than $500,000 versus the salary cap. Mosley was cut because the new Jaguars regime isn’t high on his scheme fit under Gus Bradley; he wasn’t a salary cap casualty. Mosley, 29, racked up 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, playing for Mel Tucker. Tucker is now the defensive coordinator in Chicago.

Mosley was reportedly discussing a contract with the Lions late last week, but that report was shot down by ESPN’s Josina Anderson. The soon-to-be 32-year-old had a productive season in Detroit last year, but was busted for having marijuana in his hotel room on the London trip and has yet to draw much interest.

The Dolphins offered Mosley a contract, but he wants to see what else is out there. Mosley’s agent Harold Lewis called it a “great visit,” so it’s certainly possible he could circle back to Miami. Dolphins VP of football operations Mike Tannenbaum was the Jets’ GM when Mosley was on the team from 2006-08. The Browns, Jaguars, Lions and Vikings have also been linked to Mosley.

It’s a solid depth signing for Miami. Mosley graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 26 defensive tackle last season, receiving positive marks both against the run and pass. He’s good friends with Ndamukong Suh and should slot in as the Dolphins’ No. 3 defensive tackle behind Suh and fellow starter Earl Mitchell.