Cincinati Bengals $120 million star Accepts major pay cut in surprising move to rivals…
Bengals cut RB citing Joe Mixon as a source Why Cincinnati took this action and potential destinations
After seven years with the organization, veteran running back Joe Mixon was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, capping a move that has been discussed for the past twelve months, according to team sources. Zack Moss, a former running back for the Indianapolis Colts, just inked a contract with the Bengals, which coincided with the relocation.
Mixon ranks third in franchise history in rushing yards, sixth in total touchdowns and second in carries.
Last year, he was third in the NFL in rushing attempts, carrying 257 times for 1,034 yards and 4 per carry — this after negotiating a paycut prior to the season to avoid being released. The new two-year deal included a $3 million roster bonus on March 17, forcing the team to make a decision on his future immediately rather than drag it out over the summer.
The Bengals opted to move on, saving $6.1 million on the cap while absorbing $2.75 million in dead money. Mixon, 27, joins a crowded class of veteran running backs in free agency and Cincinnati moves to Moss for more explosiveness in the running game
Cincinnati drafted Chase Brown in the fifth round last season, then limited early usage and a hamstring injury derailed the first three months of his rookie year. After, however, he showed flashes of dynamic playmaking out of the backfield, including a 70-yard touchdown on a screen pass where he topped out as the second-fastest ball carrier in the NFL last year. The Bengals want to expand his role so the idea of keeping Mixon, who drew the vast majority of the workload, made less sense at his large cap figure ($8.9 million).
This freed the Bengals to sign Moss as a back with more burst to complement Brown. Mixon ranked near the bottom of the league in missed tackles forced per carry and elusive rating. He also was taken off the field on third down for the majority of his career, not viewed as a viable option as a passing-down back. The Bengals have ranked among the most pass-heavy teams in the NFL with Joe Burrow the last two seasons.
Moss will have to replace a player who led the club in rushing for seven consecutive seasons, tied for a franchise record.
The decision wasn’t a slam dunk with durability, energy and loyalty inside the building among the reasons the club considered sticking with the two-time captain.
“He’s always played a big role for us and been a durable guy for us and a physical runner for us and always been available,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “He’s one of those guys — this last season it was him, Sam Hubbard, Josh Tupou and Tyler Boyd were the last four from when I walked into the building. I always look at Joe Mixon very fondly and appreciate everything that he does for us.”
Hubbard is the lone player still under contract from the Marvin Lewis era.
Perhaps a reunion could occur between Mixon and Lewis, now an assistant for Antonio Pierce with the Las Vegas Raiders. After all, it was Lewis and the Bengals that went out on a limb for Mixon drafting him in 2017. He was selected 48th overall, dropping down boards largely due to an incident caught on video of him striking Amelia Molitor in 2016. He settled a civil lawsuit with the victim before joining the Bengals.
Brown, Moss, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans are the running backs currently on the Bengals’ roster.
Mixon remains a very productive player in both the run and pass game. His physical skills have not diminished as he approaches his 28th birthday in July. He is quick to accelerate and has good vision through the hole. He keeps his pad level low and gains yards after contact but can also make people miss. The ability to add 52 catches in a season, as he did in 2023, never hurts, either. Mixon is a clear three-down contributor. — Randy Mueller, NFL staff writer
