Why did Joe Mixon leave the Cincinnati Bengals for the Houston Texans?

Cincinnati Bengals have confirmed the trade of star running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. This strategic decision marks a significant shift in the Bengals’ offensive lineup and provides the Texans with a new powerhouse in their backfield.

Joe Mixon, known for his agility and powerful running style, has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense since his entry into the league. With a commendable 1,000-plus rushing yard season in 2023, Mixon has consistently proven his worth on the field. His ability to break tackles and his versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield have made him a dual-threat that defenses often struggle to contain.

But why did Joe Mixon get traded to the Houston Texans?

Joe Mixon’s departure from the Cincinnati Bengals was influenced by a combination of factors. The Bengals were looking to create a more explosive offense and also needed to address salary cap considerations. Mixon’s contract was set to count $8.8 million against the team’s salary cap in 2024, which led to the decision to release him. Additionally, the Bengals wanted to expand the role of Chase Brown, a promising player who showed potential for dynamic playmaking. By moving on from Mixon, the Bengals saved $6.1 million on the cap while absorbing $2.75 million in dead money.

Mixon’s performance had also been a subject of scrutiny; despite his high volume of carries, he ranked near the bottom of the league in missed tackles forced per carry and elusive rating. Furthermore, he was often taken off the field on third down, not being viewed as a viable option as a passing-down back.

As Joe Mixon embarks on this new chapter with the Houston Texans, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate and even surpass his performances with the Bengals. Meanwhile, the Bengals are looking ahead to a new era with Zack Moss, hoping that this change will bring them closer to their championship aspirations.