Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon has been floated as a potential cap casualty or trade candidate for the entire NFL offseason. With the 2023 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, Mixon’s fate with Cincinnati seems decided.
The Bengals were linked to multiple running back prospects in the 2023 draft class and suggested as a possible landing spot for Ezekiel Elliott. However, Cincinnati seemingly hasn’t pursued the former Dallas Cowboys running back and it waited until the fifth round to draft a running back.
- Joe Mixon stats (2022): 814 rushing yards, 47 first downs, 441 receiving yards
After the Bengals finished making their 2023 draft selections, head coach Zac Taylor told reporters during his post-draft press conference that Mixon’s future is in Cincinnati.
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“His future is here with the team. I like Joe Mixon.”
Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor on Joe Mixon’s status for the 2023 season
The Bengals could’ve saved $7.29 million in cap space if they designated Mixon as a pre-June 1 release, per OvertheCap.com, and $10.04 million if he was classified as a post-June 1 cut. The cap savings would help Cincinnati sign Tee Higgins or Joe Burrow to a contract extension, paying out the signing bonus this summer.
Mixon was also viewed as expendable in Cincinnati entering the offseason. He averaged just 3.9 yards per carry this past season, the second time in three years that he averaged under four yards per carry.
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Instead of releasing him, though, Cincinnati appears committed to keeping him on the roster. It’s unclear if Mixon is willing to take a pay cut, but Taylor’s comments suggests that won’t be necessary for him to remain the Bengals’ starting running back.
While Mixon is staying in Cincinnati, another running back will likely be added before the summer. The Bengals lost Samaje Perine in free agency to the Denver Broncos and 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown won’t be pushed into a featured role.
If the Bengals decide to add another running back from the open market, Elliott, Leonard FOurnette and Kareem Hunt are the best options available.
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