Possibly in danger of becoming a cap space casualty, running back Joe Mixon agreed to restructure his contract in order to remain with the Bengals, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The veteran rusher will return for his seventh season in Cincinnati in 2023. 
Mixon’s uncertain future with the team has been a topic of discussion over the last few months. If the team had decided to cut the former Pro Bowler, they stood to save over $7MM by releasing him and over $10MM if they did so as a post-June 1 cut. The Bengals had already seen the departures of running back Samaje Perine, tight end Hayden Hurst, and safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III, but with a big money addition like offensive tackle Orlando Brown and a new contract for linebacker Germaine Pratt, it seemed like Cincinnati might need to start nickeling and diming where it could. This point seems even more prudent when considering the young star talent like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who both will need hefty new contracts in the near future.
It became public knowledge that the Bengals would pursue a pay cut for Mixon months ago. In 2020, they had signed the tailback to a four-year, $48MM contract that made him a top-five paid running back in the league at the time. After Mixon rewarded the Bengals’ faith in him with a career-year that saw Mixon reach career-highs in rushes (292), rushing yards (1,205), and rushing touchdowns (13), the Bengals seemed content carrying Mixon into 2022 despite an $11.42MM cap hit. A $12.76MM cap hit in 2023 after missing three games and only amassing 814 rushing yards last year was going to be a tougher pill to swallow. A misdemeanor charge in April didn’t help things.
Still, head coach Zac Taylor vouched for the 26-year-old, establishing that Mixon’s future was “with the team,” and the front office continued to try to work towards an agreeable number on a pay reduction. As time went on, it began to seem that the only route that led to Mixon retaining his roster spot was a pay cut. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic laid out that “Mixon was always going to either take a paycut (sic) or decide to take a walk.” In the end, the franchise’s first ever successful restructured contract, according to Dehner, resulted in Mixon staying put.
The deal is not only beneficial for Mixon, who gets to remain in the only NFL home he’s ever known. The Bengals also get some security at the running back position. Even with Mixon still in the fold, Cincinnati was looking into the addition of experienced rushers to supplement the group behind Mixon. Returning backups Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans combined for 30 rushing yards last season, and rookie fifth-round pick Chase Brown is the only other back expected to make the 53-man roster. The lack of experienced depth behind Mixon is troubling, but if Mixon were to have left, it would’ve left Cincinnati in a desperate position.
Instead, Mixon returns to a very clear role as RB1. The team may still add another veteran running back for depth down the line, as it’s hard to see Mixon in a three-down role in 2023, but the Bengals secured what is likely the most important piece in their rushing game in a way that benefits both parties. Mixon takes less money than he was originally due but avoids what has been a treacherous running back free agency market in the process.
Joe Mixon didn’t really have a choice. If he refused they would have cut him, better to stay on the team. There are less nefarious RB’s looking for work, Mixon would have had a hard time finding his next team.
Mixon is still a productive RB and his ball security has a lot of value in a sport where turnovers often determine game outcomes. This looks like a win-win for both sides IMO.
Now he’ll have to learn to survive on only $8 million a year. Don’t do crimes, kids!
Joe mixon broke a young woman’s face with his fist and called her friend a homophobic slur. He’s trash, he should be cut and in a just world he would be locked up for a long, long time.
He also broke that Carolina defense last year during Week 9. When he ran the ball 22 times for 153 yards 7.0 yds a carry w/ 4 TD’s on the ground, not to mention the 4 receptions he had for 58 yds and another TD through the air. Putting up 55.1 fantasy points that week. He was so good that day he broke the game.
OJ was pretty good too and he decapitated his wife and her lover
Yeah and he got away with it too.
Wow. You do realize that it’s a 17 game season? Should I mention the 12 other games that he failed to average 3 ypc?
Shhhh, you’ll spook the sarcasm.
There are better running backs out there than Mixon. Cincinnati must be more worried about finances than production/character.
Joe saw the market and took the deal. Simple as that. Better to have a paycheck rather than not have one.
He had no choice this late. I’m guessing his restructure is around 6 million. He’s not getting that on the open market. The Bengals played it smart, but a little unscrupulous by waiting so late. Most teams will give a player an opportunity by asking for a pay cut early or releasing the guy, even if it’s a post June 1st designation
Both the tagged and FA RB’s see this as well. Sets the bar for them.
Eh not really. Aside from Elliot the open market Rb’s are better, or had better seasons last year. Mixon was no where near the value of Josh jacobs. Whom even before the 2022 season I think was better than mixon.
I see your point. But I don’t see Dallas, NYG, & Raiders even trying to negotiate w/ their tagged backs. I don’t think those 3 will earn $10m next season is my point. Add in another season of 250+ carries on them & the draft….
That’s fair