Bengals release running back Zack Moss

Cincinnati moves on from veteran running back Zack Moss after a short stay.

Bengals part ways with running back Zack Moss

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the release of veteran running back Zack Moss on Wednesday. This decision comes even though Moss had recently restructured his contract. The 27-year-old had begun training camp on the non-football injury list, recovering from a neck injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely. Although Moss's contract was amended to a two-year deal worth $8 million, the cut will leave the Bengals with $1.88 million in dead salary cap space while ultimately saving them $1.2 million in the future. Last season, Moss contributed 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns in only eight games. Now that he is available as a free agent, teams in need of running back depth may pursue him. Following Moss's departure, Chase Brown is positioned to take the lead as the Bengals' main running back, with Samaje Perine expected to fulfill a vital backup role. Rookie Tahj Brooks is also involved in this reshuffled backfield.

Zack Moss's release illustrates the increasingly cutthroat nature of the NFL, where performance and cost-effectiveness often dictate roster decisions. Despite showing promise in his previous seasons, injuries seem to have influenced the Bengals' choice to part ways with him. This change not only opens the door for younger talent in the Bengals' lineup but also highlights the pressure that teams face to balance finances with the need for experienced players. As Moss seeks a new opportunity, his journey will serve as a reminder of the unpredictability that players encounter, especially in a league so driven by performance metrics and financial strategies.

Highlights

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the fate of Zack Moss remains uncertain but full of potential.