For the first time in his seven-year NFL career, Joe Mixon will not take handoffs as the every-down back for the Cincinnati Bengals.
With his recent release from the team, Mixon is free to negotiate with other running back-needy organizations as soon as possible. The good thing for him is that with so many great runners hitting free agency with him, there are expected to be plenty of suitors for his services.
Let’s look at the top landing spots for the former Oklahoma star.
Joe Mixon Landing Spots
Mixon has been a dependable runner for the Bengals since he was taken in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s gone over 1,000 yards rushing in four seasons and even reached a Pro Bowl in the Bengals’ Super Bowl season of 2021. In Super Bowl 56, Mixon ran for 72 yards while also tying the team leads with five catches.
His ability to be a dependable receiver out of the backfield and his strong rushing skills make him an interesting free-agency target for many teams.
If there’s one knock on him, though, it’s injuries.
While the California native played in all 17 games for the Bengals last season, Mixon has dealt with multiple concussions and several knee injuries. He will be 28 years old by the time the 2024 season rolls around — past the prime of many effective running backs in recent years.
Despite the injury concerns, there should be plenty of organizations willing to bring Mixon on to their contending plans.
Baltimore Ravens
Would Mixon end up going to Cincinnati’s biggest rival for the AFC North crown?
Since the Bengals released him, I wouldn’t rule anything out.
Baltimore runs the kind of downhill offense that Mixon would excel in, and they use a committee approach with their backs to limit the pounding each takes during a season. That’s all great news for a player of Mixon’s caliber.
The Ravens don’t have a ton of cap space, but they’ll be in a position to address their room in free agency, and it helps that Mixon won’t be commanding top dollar.
Houston Texans
Unlike most teams on this list, the Houston Texans have plenty of cap space and plenty of reason to address the running back room after a historic first season for C.J. Stroud.
Mixon’s running style, like in Baltimore’s, fits perfectly with what the Texans want to run. If Devin Singletary can be effective with the current offensive line, Mixon certainly can as well.
Houston wants to add another dimension to its offense, and Mixon would be the perfect player for that purpose.
Joe Mixon’s Market Value
Looking at the value for a running back with over 1,500 carries and 1,800 total touches is difficult.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
For a player like Mixon, the $5-7 million range might be the sweet spot, but if the draft comes and goes and there are still no takers, that number could dip to the $3 million range.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.