Bengals successfully outbid both Texas NFL teams for free agent targets in a matter of days

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated 3/16/24

When the Cincinnati Bengals identify a free agent target, they're more than capable of sealing the deal. Don't let the cheapskate narratives completely alter your vision.

The Bengals have added five external free agents so far this week, including running back Zack Moss and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

And they beat out two teams in a state without income tax.

Bengals sealed two deals over the Lone Star State

While purveying the running back market, Cincinnati identified Moss as its replacement for Joe Mixon in the backfield and landed him on a two-year, $8 million deal.

Per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, this offer beat the Dallas Cowboys in their pursuit of Moss.

Cowboys were in the mix today for RB Zack Moss, a person familiar with the discussions said. Ultimately, the price extended past their comfort point. Moss agreed with Bengals on a two-year, $8 million contract that includes $4.525 in earnings this year.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 12, 2024

The Cowboys were a key team to watch on the running back market, so to see them not try and match the Bengals' modest offer to Moss is a bit surprising. Cincinnati will pay Moss just $4.5 million in cash for the 2024 season, and can easily cut him in 2025.

Rankins' deal also amounts to being one year and a team option for the Bengals next offseason. He'll get $14 million in cash this year, and Cincinnati can release him before his $1.5 roster bonus hits next offseason to save $9.5 million in cap space.

The Houston Texans were also in on retaining Rankins, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, but the Bengals beat them out as well two days after snagging Moss over Dallas.

#Texans negotiated with Sheldon Rankins and offered $12 million annually, per sources, before he ultimately reached two-year, $26 million deal with #Bengals following a six-sack season for AFC South champions @KPRC2 https://t.co/PzRA9ZUvf2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2024

Moss and Rankins, as well as safety Geno Stone and tight end Mike Gesicki, continue the Bengals' recent foray into making moves during the first few days of free agency. the legal tampering period.

Most of the club's best free agent moves have occurred during or right after the legal tampering period. See DJ Reader, Mike Hilton, Ted Karras, and several others since 2020.

When the Bengals want a external free agent, they've almost always been successful in reeling them away from competing teams. It's become more than just a trend.

The state of Texas knows this better than anyone now.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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