The Indianapolis Colts could benefit from signing Zack Moss if he is released by the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
The Colts are in need of a reliable backup running back, and Moss—a former Colt himself—could be an ideal candidate. Moss played in Indianapolis from 2022 to 2023 and is currently under contract with the Bengals. However, if Cincinnati decides to cut him, he would become a free agent. Zachary Rotman of FanSided pointed out that Moss is a potential cut candidate:
*”With (Chase) Brown still under contract, it makes little sense to pay Zack Moss the $4.8 million he’s owed in 2025 regardless of what happens with that star trio (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson). The Bengals can save over $3 million by cutting him and could find a cheaper backup in the draft or free agency.”*
It remains uncertain whether Cincinnati will release Moss, but if they do, the Colts should consider bringing him back. He would be a strong backup option for star running back Jonathan Taylor.
Revisiting Moss’ Time in Indianapolis
Originally drafted in the third round in 2020, Zack Moss began his career with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Colts in 2022 for Nyheim Hines.
Moss made an immediate impact in Indianapolis, stepping in for an injured Taylor and rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown in the 2022 season finale against the Houston Texans. He had a breakout campaign in 2023, at one point ranking as the NFL’s second-leading rusher behind Christian McCaffrey. Despite Taylor’s return from the PUP list that season, Moss continued to play a key role in the offense. His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, where he rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 30 yards. He finished the season as the Colts’ leading rusher with a career-high 794 yards and five touchdowns, along with 27 receptions for 192 yards and two receiving scores.
Should the Colts Reunite with Moss?
Jonathan Taylor remains one of the league’s best running backs when healthy, leading the NFL in rushing in 2021. However, injuries have been an issue in recent seasons, and the Colts struggled to find a suitable replacement for Moss in 2024. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson didn’t provide much stability in the backfield.
Moss is coming off a disappointing 2024 season with the Bengals, where he played just eight games, rushing for 242 yards and two touchdowns before missing the final nine games due to injury. However, his past success in Indianapolis suggests he could still be a valuable asset if he stays healthy. Given his familiarity with the team and his previous contributions, the Colts should strongly consider re-signing him if he becomes available this offseason.
