The Cincinnati Bengals are moving on from Joe Mixon.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Monday night that the Bengals signed running back Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million deal. They’re also cutting Mixon, who has spent his entire seven-season career with the organization.
He would have counted for $8.85 million against Cincinnati’s salary cap in 2024. None of Mixon’s remaining salary was guaranteed.
Rumors of the Bengals releasing Mixon surfaced frequently last offseason, but he instead returned as the team’s featured back. Mixon tallied 1,410 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, clearing 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth time.
Mixon averaged 4.0 yards per carry but a career-low 1.4 yards after contact per attempt. He nearly went the entire season without a triple-digit rushing performance before cracking 111 rushing yards in a Week 18 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Mixon leaves Cincinnati third in all-time rushing behind Corey Dillon and James Brooks. He was also a key part of the team that made the Super Bowl two years ago.
But the Bengals will save money by replacing Mixon with Moss, who averaged 4.3 yards per run for the Indianapolis Colts last season. He amassed 445 rushing yards in his first four games before ceding many of his reps to a returning Jonathan Taylor.
Texans Daily’s Coty M. Davis said the Houston Texans are making Mixon their “top target” at running back after several star rushers signed elsewhere Monday. Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Josh Jacobs (Packers), D’Andre Swift (Bears), Tony Pollard (Titans), and Austin Ekeler (Commanders) all quickly found new homes.