The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing running back Joe Mixon and signing former Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss, according to multiple media reports.
Moss is joining the Bengals on a two-year, $8 million deal, per NFL Network. Mixon will become a free agent at 27 years old.
Mixon has played his entire seven-season pro career with the Bengals since they selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He completed the fourth 1,000-yard rushing campaign of his career last season while tallying 1,034 yards on 4 yards per carry. He added 52 catches for 376 yards and tallied 12 touchdowns from scrimmage.
For his career, Mixon has averaged 1,222 yards from scrimmage per season and tallied 62 total touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021, the same season the Bengals advanced to the Super Bowl.
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Mixon was slated to play this season on the second year of a restructured deal worth a total of $11.5 million. Releasing him saved the Bengals $6.1 million against the salary cap in 2024.
Moss emerged as a reliable starter in Indianapolis in eight 2023 starts when Jonathan Taylor was sidelined. In 14 total appearances, he tallied 794 yards on 4.3 yards per carry and caught 27 passes for 192 yards while posting seven total touchdowns. He did so as a part-time starter alongside Taylor.
Barring another addition to the Bengals’ backfield, Moss projects as the clear No. 1 back on a team that employed Mixon heavily as a feature back. He’ll take on that role a year younger than Mixon and on a cheaper contract. His departure from Indianapolis leaves the Colts in need of a reliable backup to Taylor.
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
