The Cincinnati Bengals have some tough decisions to make this offseason. While Joe Burrow is entrenched as their franchise quarterback, the offense around him could look a bit different. Ja’Marr Chase, of course, will be Burrow’s go-to wide receiver for years to come (hopefully), but other offensive skill players may be on the move. Tee Higgins, of example, is a free agent and is expected to be in high demand (though Cincinnati could always franchise tag him).
Another star offensive player that is rumored to not be back next year is running back Joe Mixon. The one-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on his two-year $11.5 million contract that he signed prior to the 2023 season.
Why Would the Cincinnati Bengals Cut Joe Mixon?
There are numerous reasons why the Bengals might want to part ways with Mixon this offseason. If they were to release him, they would save over $6 million on the salary cap. He is currently scheduled to have a 2024 cap hit of $8.8 million. If he were released, only $2.7 million of that would count towards the 2024 salary cap.
Mixon has also had some less than stellar interactions with the law that have rubbed many fans the wrong way. While no charges have ever been filed, and while he has not been punished by the NFL, the incident last summer in which a nine-year old boy was shot in the foot while playing on Mixon’s property still sticks out as a highly questionable situation (Mixon was not the one who reportedly pulled the trigger).
Joe Mixon Refutes the Rumor that He Will Be Released by the Cincinnati Bengals
One NFL Rumors account posted that the Bengals are likely to release Mixon this offseason. The Bengals running back quote tweeted the post with the following message:
Lmao y’all said this last year too 🤦🏽♂️🤣
That’s 🤡 behavior https://t.co/hK9nNbYxUy— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) February 15, 2024
Mixon is coming off of a season in which he ran for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 52 receptions for 376 yards and three more touchdowns.
While cutting him may save the team $6 million this year, it is also worth noting that a $8.8 million cap hit for a running back is well-below market value. There is also no guarantee that whoever takes over as the primary running back would be able to match Mixon’s production in both the rushing and receiving aspects of the offense.
Clearly, Mixon does not think he is going to be released, which makes one wonder if there is anything substantial to the rumor, or maybe that the seven-year veteran is oblivious to what the team is planning.
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