The Cincinnati Bengals are parting ways with one of the main pieces of their offensive attack.
It was reported on Monday night that running back Joe Mixon, who has been with the Bengals since he was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, is being released.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the news.
The #Bengals are releasing RB Joe Mixon, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
Mixon is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard season. Now he becomes a free agent at age 27. pic.twitter.com/iIQCyLJbdd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
Where might Mixon end up? Time will tell. But on Monday night, there were no shortage of ideas.
Bruh you have Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, Aaron Jones theres no way they strike out out on all 3 https://t.co/tV6vLDk0jL
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) March 12, 2024
Nah there’s no way.
…but, Joe Mixon? 👀 https://t.co/Rh9ZeobE94 pic.twitter.com/WV1rMrAIy3
— The Kevin Harlan Effect (@KevHarlanEffect) March 12, 2024
Talent fit for Houston… culture fit… idk but I’m more optimistic in Houston taking a chance on someone like that now, than I ever was before 🤞 https://t.co/Opr7pik1zr
— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) March 12, 2024
Browns can do the funniest thing …. https://t.co/lcaNKMaPbo
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) March 12, 2024
Time for Mixon to come home https://t.co/cUmUKasuVv
— Kenny King Jr (@KennyKing_Jr) March 12, 2024
OK I’d move him ahead of Aaron Jones, depending on price of course. I wouldn’t go above $5-6M a year for a running back https://t.co/w7JH782i55
— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) March 12, 2024
While injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow largely derailed the Bengals season in 2023, Mixon did top 1,000 yards for the fourth time in 2023, finishing the season with 1,034 yards on 257 carries. He added nine touchdowns. Mixon, who has been a valuable pass catcher throughout his career, added 52 receptions for 376 yards with three touchdowns in the passing game. He also started all 17 games for Cincinnati and has missed only five combined games over the last three seasons.
Who can (and will) pay Mixon what he’ll be looking for on the free agent market will of course have a lot to do with where he ends up. But given his production, durability and his age (he’ll be 28 when the season begins), expect to see a decent amount of interest around Mixon this offseason.
[Tom Pelissero on Twitter/X]
