Joe Mixon once appeared to be destined to finish out his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. After all, he helped lift the franchise to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances while handling starting running back duties.
But now, Mixon will get a chance to be in the prime-time spotlight of Week 2 as the new RB1 for the Houston Texans. So why did the Bengals, who went to Super Bowl LVI with Mixon, decide to deal away their Pro Bowl back? It’s time to dive into what persuaded the trade.
The Butterfly Effect in the Joe Mixon Trade to Houston
A trade almost didn’t happen between Cincy and Mixon.
At first, the Bengals were leaning towards releasing the veteran running back. In 2021, he produced his first Pro Bowl campaign during their run to the AFC title. By going this route, Cincinnati was positioning itself to free up $6.1 million.
Mixon had previously agreed to a two-year deal worth $11.5 million ahead of the 2023 season. The contract additionally included more than $7.1 million guaranteed.
This contract, though, was far different than the blockbuster contract he once agreed to back in 2020 — which was a four-year, $48 million agreement that allowed Mixon to earn $10 million guaranteed and $12 million in average salary. That original deal was set to make Mixon an unrestricted free agent for 2025.
Mixon’s Bengals future, even with the pay cut from ’23, still became considered nebulous given his expensive value. Cincinnati faced other major financial dilemmas, including paying 2024 free agent Tee Higgins and extending fellow All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
So Cincinnati managed to find a new alternative with Mixon. They worked out a deal with the Texans to send Mixon over in exchange for a future seventh-round selection. In the process, Houston signed the 28-year-old to a three-year, $27 million deal.
Bengals to trade RB Joe Mixon to Texans. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/oOIWiSW6fi
— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2024
How Did Mixon React to the Trade?
While many across the NFL realm believed Mixon had his days numbered in Cincy, Mixon himself shared how he was stunned by the development of getting traded.
“I gotta say it was definitely shocking,” Mixon said to reporters on March 14. “I took that 24 to 48 hours to hurt. It took a while and I’m still having emotional feelings about it.”
Mixon doesn’t have complete ill will towards Cincinnati.
“But that’s the place where I can forever feel like that’s home for me,” Mixon said.
One profound memory he’ll have: How reinvigorated a long-suffering fan base became. Seeing that enthusiasm surfaced as his new motivation in Houston.
“We bought the city of Cincinnati, we got it back lit again, and I plan on bringing that same thing here,” Mixon said. “[Texan] fans, I’m sure — they got a taste of it last year, but I feel like with what we’ve got in the making, I think it’s going to be a great thing. Like I said, I’m just excited to be here, feel wanted, and I just can’t wait to make the most of my opportunity when my number is called.”
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He’s left one AFC contender and has landed at an aspiring one. Houston is fresh off securing the franchise’s seventh division title behind rising quarterback star C.J. Stroud. DeMeco Ryans is helping change the culture as head coach.
Mixon is among the notable, aggressive offseason moves the Texans pulled off along with trading for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. Now, Mixon will experience his first taste of NRG Stadium on Sunday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.