NFL Rumors: Bengals to Release RB Joe Mixon, Sign Zack Moss to 2-Year, $8M Contract

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMarch 12, 2024

Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals have released running back Joe Mixon, ending his seven-year tenure in town, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo followed up by reporting that the Bengals signed former Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $4.5 million in the first year.

By releasing Mixon, the Bengals created $5.75 million in cap space while incurring $2.75 million in dead money, per Over the Cap.

Mixon, who turns 28 in July, rushed 257 times for 1,034 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns alongside 52 catches, 376 receiving yards and three scores for 1,410 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in 2023.

The 2017 second-round pick has been a workhorse for Cincinnati, compiling 8,551 total yards and 62 scores in seven seasons. He’s rushed for 1,000 or more yards on four occasions.

Mixon inked a four-year, $48 million extension in September 2020 to keep him in town. One year later, he enjoyed his best season en route to leading the Bengals to an AFC title. He earned a career-high 1,519 yards from scrimmage alongside 16 touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.

In July 2023, Mixon agreed to a restructured contract (in essence, a pair of large pay cuts) to remain in Cincinnati, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheetDetails:
— Joe Mixon took a $4.39M pay cut this year and a $4.67M pay cut next year.
— The 2023 base is $5.51M and he can make an extra $2M per year in incentives.
— This opens up the possibility of him sticking around next year, too. https://t.co/FUHy7Zpw6h

However, the Bengals won’t be keeping him around in 2024, making Mixon a free agent.

Moss led the Colts with 794 rushing yards last season while filling in for the injured Jonathan Taylor. He added five touchdowns and he will surely embrace his newfound opportunity as the next man up in the Bengals’ backfield.