Bengals reach unexpected commitment with injured veteran and it may impact their 2025 NFL Draft plans

Moss didn't have any guaranteed money remaining on his two-year, $8 million deal he signed last offseason as a free agent acquisition. He was scheduled to earn $3,475,000 in cash and account for $4,816,176 against the salary cap in 2025. Both numbers are likely lowered now, but as reported by Garafolo, the deal will provide him guaranteed money for the year.

Cincinnati could've released Moss at any point this offseason, but would've likely owed him money due to him being injured. This way, they'll likely save money and still keep him on the roster.

The inclusion of guaranteed cash makes it apparent that Moss is in the Bengals' plans for the upcoming season, and presumably lowering his cap hit reflects his role as the No. 2 back behind Chase Brown.  

It also signals what could be in store, or rather, not in store, for this week's NFL Draft.

Bengals may now pass on drafting a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft

When Moss' future was up in the air, the Bengals selecting a running back sometime during the draft appeared likely. It's a deep class of backs and Cincinnati would've needed one to complete the depth chart alongside Brown and recently-signed Samaje Perine. The Bengals didn't guarantee any amount of Perine's two-year, $3.6 million deal, and finding a long-term option in the draft seemed probable.

Should the Bengals expect Brown, Moss, and Perine to all make the team, is a fourth tailback worth using one of their six draft picks? It may entirely depend on how the board looks deep into the weekend.   

Again, it's one thing to hold on to Moss for the remainder of the offseason and have him battle to keep a roster spot. It's another thing to provide him security after he received good news about his ongoing recovery.

Cincinnati made it harder to let Moss go this year entirely by choice. That's notable.

I'm not willing to say drafting a RB is entirely off the table this week, but this news does decrease the likelihood of pick being used. Undrafted free agency would figure to be where any new additions come from.