Cincinnati Bengals cut longtime, fan favorite running back Joe Mixon in shock move

The Cincinnati Bengals have released longtime fan-favorite running back Joe Mixon in a shocking front-office move, and the team agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with his replacement, Zack Moss, as deals of free agency continue to shake up the NFL offseason.

That is according to ESPN’s Adam Schefterwho added that the Bengals have included a $4.25 million first-year payment as part of Moss’ deal.

Moss played for the Colts last season, after being traded to Indianapolis midseason in 2022. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills as a third-round pick in 2020.

Mixon will become a free agent on Wednesday after producing his fourth 1,000-yard season in 2023. He also had nine touchdowns. A former second-round pick, he helped the Bengals earn a berth in Super Bowl LVI and was selected to the Pro Bowl that same 2021 season.

Mixon’s departure will free up $6.1 million in cap space for Cincinnati, but some of that cash has already been allocated to the Moss deal.

Zack Moss joins Cincinnati after rushing for career-high 704 yards in 14 games with Indy in 2023

The 27-year-old California native is set to attract suitors heading into next season, with Sports Illustrated Texans Diary reporting that Houston is considering him as their “top RB target.”

The Texans were previously in the mix to sign incoming Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

Moss, 26, had his best NFL season since entering the league three years ago in 2023. He rushed for a career-high 794 yards in 14 games, including eight starts, and his five rushing touchdowns were also a career-high.

The Bengals also agreed to a two-year contract with safety Geno Stone earlier Monday.

Tight end Drew Sample and running back Trayveon Williams will also return to the team, in an offensive boost for Cincy. Sample agreed to a three-year contract. He caught 22 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Williams had 69 rushing yards on 15 carries.