Houston Texans Are Expected To Release Former Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon

The Houston Texans are expected to release Joe Mixon. 

Mixon missed the entire season with a foot injury he’s been dealing with since before training camp. Mixon recently had foot surgery, but his future in the NFL remains uncertain.

Mixon signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Texans in the 2024 offseason. His first season as a Texan went very well. He rushed for 1,016 yards in 14 games and made his second career Pro Bowl. 

Yahoo Sports reported that Mixon’s foot injury came out of nowhere. The Texans will need to absorb a $2 million cap hit to release Mixon.

The Texans recently traded for David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. This will allow them to move on from Mixon without worrying about who will lead their run game. Rookie running back Woody Marks was the Texans’ leading rusher in 2025 with just 703 yards.

Mixon was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. His best season with them was in 2021, when he ran for 1,205 yards in 16 games. He made the Pro Bowl and helped the Bengals make the Super Bowl. Mixon ran for 72 yards in Super Bowl LVI to lead all rushers.  

Mixon had originally signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the Bengals in 2020. The Bengals renegotiated his contract in 2023 to give him an opt-out in 2024, allowing Mixon to make more money and for the Bengals to have flexibility.

Despite doubts about his future, Mixon has shown interest in playing in the 2026 season. The Washington Commanders and the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be the teams that make the biggest push for him. Mixon comes with health concerns but is just two seasons removed from a 1,000-yard rushing season.