Joe Mixon has been a popular cut candidate for the past few seasons, but the Cincinnati Bengals finally made him a free agent on Monday afternoon. After signing running back Zack Moss to a modest deal, the Bengals decided it was in their best interest to part ways with their previous starter, saving $6.1 million in much-needed cap space while doing so.
Mixon originally joined the Cincinnati Bengals as a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Following a successful rookie contract, the Bengals signed Mixon to a four-year, $48 million deal before he could leave as a free agent. However, with the running back now entering his age-28 season with over 1,500 professional carries to his name, the Bengals decided to get younger at the position and save some money in the process. While the team has a decent amount of cap space at the moment, they need to set money aside for Ja’Marr Chase’s inevitable extension and Joe Burrow’s rising cap hit.
Joe Mixon Becomes A Free Agent Following Shocking Bengals Release
The Cincinnati Bengals decided Joe Mixon wasn’t worth his cap hit, but that doesn’t mean the free agent won’t generate any interest on the open market. While he’s not as efficient as he used to be, the running back was still able to handle a combined 300 carries and receptions in 2023. Anyone who rostered Tony Pollard in fantasy football will tell you that efficiency can drop with increased volume, so the fact Mixon remained decently efficient despite the workload is a testament to his talent.
Additionally, while Joe Mixon only averaged 3.9 yards per carry last year, the advanced metrics suggest that his offensive line carried more blame for the poor production than the free agent himself. According to Pro Football Focus, Mixon had the 33rd-best PFF grade out of 59 eligible players, and his 3.20 yards created per touch ranked 35th in the league. He’s no superstar, but these metrics suggest he can still be a solid starter. With running back salaries seemingly on the rise, these five teams could be interested in a cost-effective starter.
Possible Team Fits
Note: This article is written on the morning of March 12th. Given the nature of free agency, there is a possibility that future signings will change the needs of the teams listed below.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have an electric young running back in De’Von Achane, but the 2023 season proved that he probably shouldn’t handle a large workload. The former track star is notably undersized for the position, and his constant injuries heavily imply that he cannot handle a full NFL workload at his current build. With Raheem Mostert also not being the picture of health, the team could consider signing a free agent like Joe Mixon. Combined, these two could form one of the best running back tandems in football.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens lost Gus Edwards to the Los Angeles Chargers and have yet to sign a replacement. While Derrick Henry is still available, all of the other big-name running backs are off the market. Seeing as the Ravens have a small army of free agents leaving the team, Baltimore could go for a cheaper option and sign longtime division rival Joe Mixon as a free agent.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have not been shy about spending money in free agency, but they have yet to address the running back position. With Devin Singletary effectively replacing Saquon Barkley, the reigning AFC South champion needs to find somebody to lead this backfield. Joe Mixon is a great fit for the job, as the free agent can join forces with Dameon Pierce to form a ferocious and physical 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isaiah Pacheco has overcome all questions regarding his draft stock and has proven himself to be a starting-caliber running back. While the former seventh-round selection is a great downhill threat, he’s basically the only option on the Chiefs depth chart. With a poor selection of running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs could decide to sign Joe Mixon as a free agent to make sure Pacheco doesn’t get overworked.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have Gus Edwards, but he’s not a true three-down back. The former undrafted free agent is great in small doses, but the Ravens made sure to never overload the Rutgers product. With no other meaningful running backs on the roster and head coach Jim Harbaugh wanting to build a run-first offense, the team should consider signing Joe Mixon as a free agent. Now with two competent running backs, this team should be able to provide the physical spark Harbaugh desires in a football team.
Main Photo: Joe Rondone – USA Today Sports
