The Cincinnati Bengals are rebuilding their backfield and parting ways with star running back Joe Mixon. A prominent replacement has probably already been found.
As US insiders initially reported, long-time starting running back Joe Mixon was released by the Cincinnati Bengals. He will be replaced by Zack Moss from the Indianapolis Colts.
He is now expected to sign a two-year contract in Cincinnati that can bring him up to eight million dollars. It includes a payout of 4.5 million in the first year. On Tuesday, however, it was announced that Mixon was ultimately traded to the Houston Texans. The compensation for this has not yet been determined.
NFL: Mixon has to go despite good numbers
Mixon, whom the Bengals drafted in 2017, was a starter at the running back position for the past seven years and put up good numbers. In 2023, he had 1,034 rushing yards and nine touchdowns and totaled 1,410 scrimmage yards. In 2021, the 28-year-old reached the Super Bowl with the team.
His total stats in rushing yards (6,412), runs (1,571) and rushing touchdowns (49) place him in the top 3 in Bengals history.
Mixon’s contract originally ran for one year. The trade saves the franchise $6.1 million. At the same time, they get $2.75 million in dead money.
Moss got his start with the Colts
Moss had his breakthrough last season. Due to an injury to star running back Jonathon Taylor, he started in the first few games for the Colts and quickly became the focus. In total, he rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. He missed two games at the end of the season due to a shoulder injury.
He also showed brilliant form as a receiver. Moss caught 27 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He spent the first years of his career with the Buffalo Bills (2020 to 2022).