Anguished Former Pro Bowler Discusses Possible Release

One of the most sought-after running back cut prospects in the NFL is Joe Mixon, of the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the last seven years, Mixon—who was first chosen in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft—has shown to be one of the more dependable and consistent starters. But like all of us eventually come to an end, current reports suggest that the Bengals may split ways with their longstanding starter.

In all honesty, these rumors are not entirely false. With a $8.5 million cap hit, Mixon is about to reach the last year of his deal. The Bengals may free up $5.75 million in salary space if they remove Joe Mixon. Cincinnati’s cap space is presently $61.4 million, but they are going to run out of money. Tee Higgins is going tolikely get the franchise tag, Joe Burrow’s salary charge will increase significantly soon, and the team must also set aside funds for Ja’Marr Chase.

Although there is a chance the Bengals could cut Joe Mixon, the running back isn’t concerned about it. The former Pro Bowler recently tweeted that this allegation is “clown behavior” on X (previously Twitter), pointing out that a similar story circulated at this time last year.

Joe Mixon Makes a Strong Declaration About Possibly Being Fired
Regarding the familiarity with the cut rumor, Joe Mixon is right. Some people thought that the Bengals would cut ties with the veteran by now last season because a release would have freed up some significant cap money. Mixon was Cincinnati’s starting running back for the entire 2023 season when that didn’t transpire.

There’s a possibility Joe Mixon is correct and the Bengals choose not to cut him—especially in light of the expectation that this running back draft class will be poor. But as Burrow’s cap hit rises, Mixon isn’t getting any younger, so Cincinnati will have to start considering the salary cap. Being a running back is a luxury role.Cincinnati may determine that they can make due with Zack Moss and Chase Brown, an inexpensive free agent.

Though this is just conjecture, it seems like there is currently a 50/50 chance that Joe Mixon will be cut by the Bengals. Although his time with the Bengals may be coming to an end, his NFL career will not stop with this. Several clubs ought to be open to signing the running back on a short-term contract, despite the fact that he isn’t the same player he once was.

Potential Matches: Baltimore Ravens

There’s no telling what the Baltimore Ravens will do with their running back. Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are both expected to be available for free in 2024, thus the Ravens may have a whole new backfield in 2024. If the Bengals cut Joe Mixon, that face may be him because the running back is a perfect match. The Ravens should know how to use Mixon after seven seasons of playing in the same division. His experience will guarantee that he gains every yard as other teams concentrate on stopping Lamar Jackson.

The Dallas Cowboys

One of the few teams that still genuinely appreciates the significance of a three-down running back is the Dallas Cowboys. Though they believed they had one of those in Tony Pollard, the previous fourth-round selection found it difficult to perform with such a heavy workload. Mixon can manage a lot of touches even if he isn’t the league’s most explosive runner. Joe Mixon could easily find a home on America’s team if the Bengals cut him.

Minnesota Vikings

Having being Dalvin Cook’s backup for years, Alexander Mattison was finally given an opportunity to establish himself as an NFL starter. Sadly, he was not up to the task and ended the season among the league’s least productive backs in almost every category. The Vikings will need a seasoned veteran to handle starting duties for a squad that should be focused on the postseason if they decide to re-sign Kirk Cousins. It’s likely that Joe Mixon will start at running back for them in 2024 if Alexander Mattison is removed.

Bears of Chicago

The Chicago Bears have plenty of cap room and draft selections, which gives them the ability to radically rebuild their squad. Chicago could use a veteran like Joe Mixon, provided the Bengals remove Justin Fields, as Caleb Williams is expected to replace him. Although Mixon can play on early downs and gain those difficult-to-earn yards, Roschon Johnson can provide fresh legs in the backfield.

Chargers of Los Angeles
Austin Ekeler is said to be Jim Harbaugh’s favorite player, but there are a few reasons why he and the club could part ways in free agency. To start with, Ekeler appeared to be slowing down the previous season, and the Chargers had significantly over the pay ceiling. Los Angeles may have to make a change of direction if someone is ready to overpay for his skills.