The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing running back Joe Mixon after seven seasons, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Cincinnati is also signing former Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Moss will reportedly ink a two-year, $8-million contract with the Bengals.
Mixon, who turns 28 in July, played 97 regular-season games with Cincy after being drafted in the second round in 2017. The Oklahoma product rushed for 6,412 yards (4.1 per carry) and 49 touchdowns. The one-time Pro Bowler also helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl during the 2021 season.
After battling multiple injuries in consecutive seasons, Mixon played all 17 games in 2023 and topped 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth time in his NFL career. However, he failed to average more than 4 yards per carry for the third time in the last four years.
Mixon had one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $8.85 million. The Bengals will save $6.1 million by cutting him while eating $2.75 million in dead money, according to Over the Cap.
Moss is coming off a career year with the Colts. The 26-year-old, who saw an increased number of snaps while replacing an injured Jonathan Taylor in 2023, finished the campaign with 794 yards (4.3 per carry) and five touchdowns on 183 attempts on the ground. He also caught 27 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
The Dallas Cowboys were also in the mix for Moss but were priced out, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Moss is now part of a Bengals depth chart that also features running back Chase Brown, whom Cincinnati drafted in the fifth round in 2023. Brown had only 44 carries as a rookie.
