Houston Texans Part Ways with Running Back Joe Mixon in Cap-Saving Move
The Houston Texans have made a significant roster decision, releasing veteran running back Joe Mixon just days before the start of the new league year. This strategic move frees up approximately $8 million in salary cap space for the franchise. Mixon, who is 29 years old, was in the final year of a lucrative three-year contract worth $27 million.
Mysterious Foot Injury Sidelines Mixon for Entire 2025 Season
Joe Mixon's departure from Houston follows a challenging period marked by a perplexing foot injury. The two-time Pro Bowler suffered this setback during the 2025 offseason, which ultimately caused him to miss the entire 2025 NFL season. Initially, medical projections suggested a four-game absence, but the injury proved more severe, leading to his placement on the non-football injury list.
He was unable to participate in team workouts, training camp, and all regular-season games. In response, the Texans relied on rookie Woody Marks, who amassed 703 rushing yards, and free agent acquisition Nick Chubb, who contributed 506 rushing yards, to bolster their backfield as they advanced to the playoffs.
Texans General Manager Provides Insight into Mixon's Medical Situation
In February 2026, Houston Texans General Manager Nick Caserio addressed Mixon's condition, confirming that the running back had undergone surgery during the offseason. Caserio emphasized that the injury was not due to any off-field recklessness, stating, "He didn't do anything off the field. It wasn't like he was riding a snowmobile or anything like that. I would say it was more of a medical condition or situation that didn't really improve as much as everyone would hope."
He further clarified that Mixon had not engaged in dangerous activities like cliff diving, describing the situation as a "freak thing" he had never encountered before. The release was executed with a failed physical designation, with Caserio noting Mixon's status as a "moving target" dependent on his 2026 prognosis.
Texans Acquire David Montgomery, Prompting Mixon's Release
The Texans' decision to move on from Mixon was accelerated by their acquisition of star running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions on March 2. This blockbuster trade solidified Houston's backfield plans for the 2026 season, rendering Mixon expendable. Just four days after securing Montgomery, the team officially released the sidelined veteran, marking the end of his tenure with the franchise.
Free Agency Interest: Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos Emerge as Potential Suitors
As one of the top remaining free agents for the 2026 season, Joe Mixon has attracted attention from several NFL teams. While initial speculation connected him to the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, recent reports highlight the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos as primary contenders.
Kansas City Chiefs: NFL Insider Jason La Canfora indicated that the Chiefs were "high" on Mixon. However, this interest may have diminished after Kansas City re-signed Kareem Hunt, a 2026 free agent, suggesting their backfield strategy is now set.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers, familiar with Mixon from his prime years with the Cincinnati Bengals, showed interest following Kenneth Gainwell's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead of waiting, Pittsburgh opted to sign Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract, cooling their pursuit of Mixon.
Denver Broncos: According to Sports Illustrated's Chad Jensen, the Broncos view Mixon as a reliable complement and backup for J.K. Dobbins, who is recovering from a Week 10 foot injury that ended his 2025 season. La Canfora notes Denver seeks more power and consistency in its run game, with Mixon potentially being a "good fit" for Sean Payton's offense.
Despite re-signing Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin, and having RJ Harvey as RB2, Jensen believes Mixon could compete for a starting role in Denver. Spotrac projects his market value at a one-year contract worth $3.2 million, with Mixon having earned over $55 million in his nine-year NFL career.
Joe Mixon's Career Statistics and Future Outlook
Throughout his eight-season career, Joe Mixon has demonstrated impressive productivity. In 111 games, he has accumulated 7,428 rushing yards with 60 rushing touchdowns, along with 2,448 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. His consistent performance has established him as one of the league's most effective running backs since his debut in 2017.
As the free agency period unfolds, the question remains: Will Mixon land with the Broncos, or will he go unclaimed? Only time will reveal the next chapter in his professional journey, but his proven track record ensures he remains a player to watch in the evolving NFL landscape.
