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

That’s according to Adam Schefter, of ESPN, who added that the the Bengals have included a $4.25M payout in year one as part of Moss’ deal.

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

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

Mixon’s exit will free up $6.1M in salary cap space for Cincinnati, but some of that cash has already been allocation toward Moss’ deal.

The Bengals have cut ties with running back Joe Mixon after seven season together in Cincy

 

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

The 27-year-old California native is destined to attract suitors ahead of the upcoming season, with Sports Illustrated’s Texans Daily reporting that Houston is eyeing him as its ‘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 coming into the league, three years ago, in 2023. He ran for a career-high 794 yards in 14 games, including eight starts, with his five rushing touchdowns also a career best.

The Bengals also agreed a two-year deal with safety Geno Stone, earlier on Monday.

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