CINCINNATI — Joe Mixon is saying goodbye to Cincinnati after the Bengals announced they would be trading their longtime running back to the Houston Texans.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport announced on Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, that the Bengals traded Mixon to the Houston Texans. It was not immediately reported what the Bengals would receive in return.
Plot twist: The #Bengals are now trading Joe Mixon to the #Texans, rather than releasing him, sources say. So Zack Moss signs in Cincy, Mixon is traded to Houston. From Joe Burrow to CJ Stroud. pic.twitter.com/TG0G3JMGMp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
The reported trade comes after NFL Network's Mike Garafolo announced on Monday that Cincinnati agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with Moss. Just minutes later, Tom Pelissero reported the Bengals were releasing last season's starting running back, Mixon.
ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported Moss's signing and Mixon's release.
On Wednesday, Mixon shared a goodbye post to Cincinnati, his fans and teammates.
"I've built so many friendships and relationships in Cincinnati over the past 7 years that will have a lifelong impact," Mixon wrote. "All I ever wanted to accomplish for Cincinnati was winning football games and bringing back a championship ring."
Mixon was drafted by the Bengals out of the University of Oklahoma in 2017, later signing a four-year deal with the team in 2020. The 27-year-old was a pivotal part of Cincinnati's postseason run in 2021, finishing the year with 13 rushing touchdowns.
He restructured his contract to stay with the Bengals for the 2023 season, recording more than 1,000 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns. He was also a first alternate for the Pro Bowl.
Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills, Moss had his best season yet while in Indianapolis this season. Despite breaking his arm in July, Moss played a prominent role in the Colts' offense while Jonathan Taylor was out. While the two split carries following Taylor's return, Moss still finished the season as the Colts leading rusher.
According to reports, Cincinnati's deal with Moss includes $4.525 million in his first season.
While NFL free agency hasn't officially started, the Bengals have already finished a couple of deals. Cincinnati re-signed tight end Drew Sample to a three-year contract extension. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport also reported the team signed former Ravens safety Geno Stone to a two-year, $15 million deal.
Former Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki will also join the Bengals, signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million, per ESPN.
ESPN also reports that among the key Bengals losses to free agency include Chidobe Awuzie, who had been a staple of the team's secondary during their recent success.
Also reported on Monday was receiver Tee Higgins' request for a trade. While the Bengals just weeks ago placed the franchise tag on Higgins, giving his camp and the team a chance to agree on a long-term deal, a Schefter report says Higgins claims the two sides have not had any talks about a long-term extension since March 2023.
"He is ready to move on to a new home," Schefter said in his tweet.
Free agency officially begins Wednesday, March 13.
