After trading for the former Pro Bowler two years ago, the Houston Texans is likely to cut running back Joe Mixon during the offseason. Bleacher Report says it’s a “no-brainer” for the Texans to cut Mixon due to missing the entire 2025 campaign. Indeed, Mixon’s current contract does not compensate his worth while he still insists that he will return to the team for the 2026 season. It will be up to the Texans if they want him back, but even if he does return, it will have to be for a backup role behind an emerging downhill runner in Woody Marks.
Texans Expected to Cut Two-Time Pro Bowl Bust Joe Mixon
Despite joining the team in 2024, the veteran running back still recorded promising numbers in his debut with the Texans. He arguably still has gas left in the tank to become a team’s starter, but he needs to work his way back there. While Houston uses the salary cap to spend elsewhere in free agency or for the NFL Draft to acquire an adequate running back behind Marks, the future is still bright for Mixon.
The veteran will need at least a year to revitalize his Pro Bowl career, and he should have plenty of interest once he becomes available. He’s a cost-effective option for a team that needs an emergency. Mixon might not be the same once he’s fully healthy from his leg injury, but the running back should be able to thrive with these three teams.
Potential Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys targeting someone like Mixon wouldn’t be surprising if they can’t retain Javonte Williams or George Pickens. The team has yet to begin negotiation talks with either of the top free agents, so if the worst-case scenario comes, the Cowboys might have to look into Mixon. Dallas hasn’t had a long-term adequate running back since Ezekiel Elliott, and even though Mixon won’t be the answer to their woes, he’s a cost-effective option that the Cowboys have to consider.
Meanwhile, Jaydon Blue is waiting for a larger role, so this allows him to back up Mixon if Dallas wants to sign the veteran on a budget one-year deal.
New Orleans Saints
After bringing in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers to ramp up the running back position last offseason, it simply didn’t work out in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara is still one of the better downhill runners as a star, but his prime days are decreasing. The Saints should bring in Mixon to give Audric Estime a veteran support system to establish as a potential starter if the team trades Kamara, which they could highly look into.
Kamara has said he would retire, but that won’t matter if he joins a contender while the Saints garner decent draft capital in return. If that happens, the team signing Mixon makes sense.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco set to leave in free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs are planning to overhaul their entire running back unit. They need a long-term answer, and they’ll likely turn to the draft, but don’t be surprised if the Chiefs try to acquire an option during free agency. Unfortunately, they don’t have the money to spend on a high-end free agent, but Mixon could be an intriguing answer.
Brashard Smith is waiting for a chance in a starting role, but nobody should put it past the Chiefs if they do what they can to get top emerging free agents like Travis Etienne or Breece Hall while getting Mixon in a backup role.
