All Bengals

Why Cincinnati Bengals Are Signing Zack Moss and Releasing Joe Mixon

Cincinnati is releasing the former Pro Bowl running back.

James Rapien

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are signing veteran running back Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million contract. They came to terms on Monday night and quickly moved on from Joe Mixon minutes later. 

This isn't a surprise to many, but some are wondering why the Bengals would move on from a former Pro Bowler and fan favorite?

The Bengals wanted to get more explosive in the run game. They were hoping to find a proven pass blocker that would give them an opportunity to generate longer runs. 

Moss fits that description. He had 11 runs of 20 or more yards last season. Mixon had five 20+ yard runs, despite having 74 more rushing attempts. Moss is only 26-years-old and has 484 career carries. There's plenty of tread left on his tires. A Chase Brown-Moss combo in the Bengals' backfield makes a ton of sense. 

The Bengals entered free agency thinking they could get younger, cheaper and better at running back.

After re-signing Trayveon Williams, they've secured a trio of backs that will have a lower cap hit than Mixon was set to have for the 2024 season ($8.9 million). 

Moss forced more miss tackles, was a better pass blocker and finished much higher in yards above expectation (5th) than Mixon (27th).

They're more explosive, but the pass blocking element cannot be overstated. Mixon was a quality player for a long time, but it was time for the Bengals to move on from the former Pro Bowler.

Cincinnati made the right decision on Monday night. 

Get the Latest NFL News on fuboTV! Start your free trial here.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Russell Wilson to Sign One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh Steelers

Sports Illustrated Names Stephon Gilmore as One Free Agent Bengals Should Sign

Look: Joe Burrow, Sam Hubbard Attend UFC 299

Chiefs Signing Star Defensive Tackle Chris Jones to Mega-Extension

Did NFL Management Council Make Mistake With Bengals' Compensatory Pick Process?

Look: Top NFL Free Agents, Including Potential Bengals Targets Ranked in One Place

Bengals Running Back Watch: What Prospects Make Sense in 2024 NFL Draft?

Best Mock Drafter Over Past Five Years Sticks Cincinnati With Popular Name in First Round

A Tee Higgins Trade That the Bengals Would Realistically Consider

Will Bengals Pursue Christian Wilkins in Free Agency?

Jordan Kovacs on Finding Dax Hill's Ideal Role: 'Somewhere on The Back End'

Report: Joe Burrow Projects a Return to Throwing by Bengals' OTAs

Report: NFL Personnel Believe Cincinnati Bengals Will Trade Tee Higgins

Lou Anarumo Open to Adding Impact Player Along Defensive Line: 'More The Merrier'

Chase Daniel on Bengals Trading up to Get Brock Bowers: 'I Would Love to See it'

Bengals Notebook: Analyzing Offseason Plan Following Eventful Week at NFL Combine

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok

Published
James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati

Home/News