Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon is one of the most popular running back cut candidates in the NFL. Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Mixon has been one of the more reliable and consistent starters over the past seven years. However, time comes for us all, and recent rumors indicate that the Bengals might part ways with their longtime starter.
For what it’s worth, these rumors aren’t unfounded. Mixon is now entering the final year of his contract and carries an $8.5 million cap hit. If the Bengals cut Joe Mixon, they can clear $5.75 million in cap space. While Cincinnati currently has $61.4 million in available cap space, they’re about to be pressed for cash. Tee Higgins will probably receive the franchise tag, Joe Burrow’s cap hit will make a huge jump shortly, and the team also needs to keep some money for Ja’Marr Chase.
There is reason to believe that the Bengals could cut Joe Mixon, but the running back himself isn’t worried about it. Recently taking to X (formerly Twitter), the one-time Pro Bowler tweeted out that this rumor is “clown behavior” and pointed out that a similar rumor made the rounds at this point last year.
Lmao y’all said this last year too 🤦🏽♂️🤣
That’s 🤡 behavior https://t.co/hK9nNbYxUy— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) February 15, 2024
Joe Mixon Issues Strong Statement on Possibly Being Cut
Joe Mixon is correct about the familiarity with the cut rumor. Last year at this point, some believed that the Bengals would part ways with the veteran, as they could’ve saved a decent amount of cap space with a release. That didn’t happen, and Mixon spent the 2023 season as Cincinnati’s primary running back.
There is a chance Joe Mixon is right and the Bengals decide not to cut him, especially considering this is supposed to be a weak running back draft class. However, Mixon isn’t getting any younger, and Cincinnati is going to start needing to think about the salary cap as Burrow’s cap hit continues to grow. Running back is a luxury position, and Cincinnati might decide that they can get by with Chase Brown and a cheap free agent like Zack Moss.
This is pure speculation, but right now it appears as though there is a 50/50 shot the Bengals cut Joe Mixon. While this might spell the end of his Bengals tenure, it won’t spell the end of his NFL career. Even though he’s not the player he once was, several teams should be willing to bring in the running back on a short-term deal.
Possible Team Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Nobody knows what the Baltimore Ravens are going to do at running back. With J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards both set to reach the open market, the Ravens might have a completely new face leading their backfield in 2024. That face could be Joe Mixon, as the running back is an ideal fit if the Bengals cut him. After sharing a division for seven seasons, the Ravens should know how to utilize Mixon, and his veteran prowess will ensure he gets every yard possible as defenses focus on stopping Lamar Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the few organizations left that truly believe in the value of a three-down running back. They thought they had one of those in Tony Pollard, but the former fourth-round pick struggled to produce when given that massive workload. Mixon might not be the most explosive runner in the league, but he can handle a high volume of touches. If the Bengals cut Joe Mixon, he could quickly find a home with America’s team.
Minnesota Vikings
After spending years as Dalvin Cook’s backup, Alexander Mattison finally had a chance to prove himself as a starting running back in the NFL. Unfortunately, he wasn’t up for the challenge and finished the season as one of the least effective backs in the league by just about every metric. If the Vikings re-sign Kirk Cousins, they’ll need a proven veteran to handle starting duties for a team that should have their eyes on the playoffs. Chances are, they could cut Alexander Mattison and install Joe Mixon as their starting running back for the 2024 season.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears own an abundance of draft picks and cap space, so they have the resources to completely revamp their roster. With Caleb Williams likely replacing Justin Fields, Chicago could use a veteran like Joe Mixon, assuming the Bengals cut him. Roschon Johnson can be the fresh legs in the backfield, while Mixon can play on early downs and pick up those hard-to-gain yards.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh reportedly loves Austin Ekeler, but there are a few reasons the player and team could part in free agency. For one, Ekeler looked like he was slowing down last year, and the Chargers are well over the allotted salary cap. If someone is willing to overpay for his services, Los Angeles might have to pivot to a different running back. Jim Harbaugh believes running backs carry plenty of value, and Joe Mixon probably won’t receive too large of a payday if he’s cut.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
