Bengals Release Joe Mixon, Sign Zack Moss

Joe Mixon’s time in Cincinnati is over. The Bengals have released the 27-year-old running back after seven years with the team, according to reports.

Mixon was set to have a cap hit of $8.5 million this season, with the Bengals getting just over $6 million in cap relief by letting him go. There will still be a dead cap number of $2.75 million that Cincinnati will be responsible for.

This appears to be a case of the Bengals looking to get someone with a little less wear and tear for the same amount of money Mixon would have been owed. Cincinnati agreed to terms with Zack Moss on a two-year $8 million deal before releasing Mixon. Moss has 559 career offensive touches at age 26 compared to Mixon’s 1,854. While Moss has mostly been in a complementary role, there were flashes last season indicating he can do more. Cincinnati is hoping they can get similar production from Moss at a lower price than Mixon.

While it is easy to understand Cincinnati’s process (not letting Mixon go until they sign his replacement), it does not excuse it. Mixon’s late release means it may be more difficult for him to find a new team. There have been a handful of backs agreeing to deals already, and that will not leave many opportunities for Mixon. Eventually Mixon will find work. It may just take a little longer than it should.

Mixon finishes his Bengals’ career with 6,412 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. The Oklahoma product was also a threat in the passing game, totaling 2,139 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.