Key Highlights
- The Houston Texans are releasing Joe Mixon after he missed all of 2025 with an undisclosed injury.
- Mixon underwent surgery and his timetable for a return is unknown, leading to concerns about his career.
- Despite Mixon’s recent success in the 2024 season, the Texans are moving on from him as they acquire David Montgomery from the Lions.
- The move saves Houston $8MM in cap space and allows them to focus on younger talent like Woody Marks and David Montgomery.
Breaking Down the Move: A Tale of Two Veterans
Days after acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, the Houston Texans are making a significant shift in their offensive lineup. Joe Mixon, a nine-year veteran who was brought on board with high hopes and a substantial contract, finds himself out of the picture.
Mixon’s Journey: From Pro Bowl to Injuries
Not always. Joe Mixon’s tenure with the Houston Texans started promisingly enough. The 2024 season saw him rack up 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games, securing a Pro Bowl invite for his efforts.
However, last year marked a turning point when he was sidelined before training camp due to an undisclosed injury.
The Texans placed Mixon on the reserve/NFI list at the start of the season and never activated him. GM Nick Caserio stated that Mixon did not sustain the injury during football activities but the exact circumstances remain unclear. The NFI designation meant he was injured away from official Texans workouts, adding to the intrigue around his absence.
Mixon’s Contract and the Business Side
Mixon signed a two-year, $19.75 million deal with the Texans in 2024, including $13 million guaranteed at signing. This represented a significant return for Mixon after accepting a pay cut from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. The contract included an additional year of guarantee, making it a smart landing spot for the veteran running back.
Despite his recent success and the substantial investment by the Texans, the injury situation took its toll.
With David Montgomery arriving as a younger option to pair with Woody Marks, Mixon’s presence was seen as redundant. The move to release him came as no surprise but does raise questions about the future of the running back position in Houston.
The Future Uncertain
Joe Mixon’s career with the Texans appears to be in jeopardy. His recent surgery and uncertain timetable for a return leave fans and analysts questioning how he will fit into the team’s plans moving forward. The move to release him, coupled with acquiring Montgomery, signals a shift towards younger talent but also highlights the risks associated with high-profile player contracts.
The writing on the wall is clear: the Texans are looking ahead.
Whether Mixon can find his way back to relevance or if he will remain sidelined remains to be seen. For now, the focus shifts to how this move impacts both Montgomery and the overall running back depth in Houston.
