The Cincinnati Bengals have pulled off what could be one of the shrewdest moves of the NFL offseason. In a surprising trade, they sent veteran Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans and secured the services of Zack Moss. This transaction is more than just a player swap; it’s a calculated gamble on potential and financial prudence.
Zack Moss: Rising From the Shadows
Zack Moss, the 26-year-old running back, is not just another player on the Bengals’ roster. His recent two-year, $8 million contract marks him as one of the NFL’s most notable bargains, according to Brent Sobleski from Bleacher Report. Moss, a University of Utah product, brings a fresh vigor to the Bengals.
His journey from a third-round pick for the Buffalo Bills in 2020 to his promising stint with the Indianapolis Colts showcases a trajectory of growth and untapped potential.
Moss’s performance in the 2023 season was nothing short of impressive. Despite playing just 14 games, he amassed 794 yards and five touchdowns, maintaining an average of 4.3 yards per carry. His ability to also catch passes—he logged 27 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns—highlights his versatility and adaptability.
The Turnaround Artist
Zack Moss’s career has been a story of perseverance and gradual ascension. After a subdued rookie year with the Bills where he managed 481 rushing yards, Moss experienced a setback in the following season. However, a mid-season trade in 2022 to the Colts revitalized his career.
Here, he showed glimpses of his potential by posting a robust 4.8 yards per carry from 365 rushing yards for the remainder of the season.
The opportunity truly knocked in 2023 when the Colts’ leading back Jonathan Taylor was sidelined. Moss seized this chance spectacularly, delivering standout performances and proving his capability as a primary running back. His notable game in Week 5, where he rushed for 165 yards and scored two touchdowns, was a testament to his burgeoning prowess.
A New Dawn in Cincinnati Bengals
Now, as he joins the Bengals, Moss is poised to be a central figure in revitalizing a team that faced its share of challenges last season. The Bengals, who ended the year with a 9-8 record, were severely hampered by injuries, including a season-ending wrist injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 11. Moss’s arrival could be the spark they need to reignite their offense and stabilize their running game.
Zack Moss’s journey in the NFL is a compelling narrative of resilience and growth. With his best years potentially ahead, Cincinnati might just have found their next star running back.
As Moss prepares to take the main stage at the Bengals, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely—could this be the beginning of a new era for both Moss and the Bengals? Only time will tell, but the early signs are promising, pointing towards a mutually beneficial partnership brimming with potential.
