For the first time since 2017, the Bengals’ backfield will not include Joe Mixon. The former Pro Bowler was dealt to the Texans in a move which paved the way for a new running back approach. 
Cincinnati was set to release Mixon before trading him to Houston. The 27-year-old logged over 200 carries in each of his healthy seasons from 2018-23, creating a notable vacancy on offense. The Bengals signed Zack Moss to help replace Mixon, and 2023 fifth-rounder Chase Brown could also see an uptick in usage moving forward. The skillset of pass-catching back may not have been sufficiently addressed yet, though.
Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic writes the Bengals “feel one man short” with respect to their backfield as things stand (subscription required). Specifically, a third-down specialist could be added to complement Moss and Brown. Samaje Perine operated as a strong producer in that role during his tenure in Cincinnati, which came to an end last offseason. Perine is now with the Broncos, although Denver has a crowded running backs room entering training camp. Dehner notes Perine could be a prime candidate to return to Cincinnati if the Broncos were to cut him this summer.
While such a scenario is possible, Brown’s Year 2 in the NFL could involve more opportunities in the passing game. The 24-year-old was told by head coach Zac Taylor to improve as a pass-catcher following the end of the 2023 campaign, as Dehner notes in a separate piece. Brown made 14 receptions as a rookie, averaging an impressive 10.4 yards per target. With Moss’ strength being his ability between the tackles as a rusher, Brown could translate his offseason efforts into a third-down role in 2024.
Failing that, a number of veterans are still on the market who could serve in a Perine-like capacity. The Bengals have over $21MM in cap space, so a deal for the likes of Jerick McKinnon or Joshua Kelley would certainly be feasible. Incumbent options include Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams, and their performances in training camp will no doubt dictate much of Cincinnati’s plans in the backfield. If an outside addition is deemed necessary, though, the team will have the means of making one.