Joe Mixon is released by the Cincinnati Bengals, while Zack Moss is signed to a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a $4.525 million first-year salary.

The Cincinnati Bengals have chosen to let go of Joe Mixon and have made a deal with Zack Moss, their running back.

Moss has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract, with the first year worth $4.525 million.

In the 2022 season, Moss had an outstanding performance, setting career highs in various categories such as carries, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, touches, Yards from scrimmage, and total touchdowns.

This impressive performance earned him a lucrative contract with the Bengals. Moss initially entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2020 but was later traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.

The Bengals’ decision to bring in Moss led to the release of long-time starter Joe Mixon. Mixon had been with the Bengals for seven seasons and had been their primary running back.

In the 2023 season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing his value to the team. However, Moss’s breakout season and the potential cost savings led to the Bengals parting ways with Mixon.

Moss proved to be a reliable option for the Colts when called upon during Jonathan Taylor’s absences. He had successful performances and even became the NFL’s third-leading rusher in the first five weeks of the season.

Moss showcased his abilities as a receiver as well, recording a career-high in receptions. The Colts’ decision to invest heavily in Taylor impacted Moss’s future, ultimately leading to his trade to the Bengals.

Moss will now join the Bengals and aim to strengthen their rushing attack, which lacked explosiveness last season. The team struggled to produce big plays in the running game, ranking 27th in the league in carries of 12 or more yards.

While Moss and Mixon had similar rates of carries for 10 or more yards, the Bengals will benefit from the cap savings they will gain by releasing Mixon. The $5.8 million saved will help offset Moss’s salary in the first year.

The Bengals are making a bold move by bringing in Moss to replace Mixon. Moss’s breakout season and potential for improvement provide hope for a more dynamic rushing offense in the upcoming season.