Cincinnati Bengals former running back Joe Mixon (28) Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals make surprising decision on RB Joe Mixon's future

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a surprising decision regarding Joe Mixon. Instead of releasing the veteran running back, they are dealing him to a different AFC franchise. 

Mixon was reportedly set to hit free agency, as the Bengals agreed to a deal with former Colts RB Zack Moss. Mixon was expected to be cut to make space for Moss, but the front office changed its mind and now is sending one of their best offensive weapons to the Houston Texans. 

The Bengals have had an entertaining start to free agency, adding interesting pieces on both sides of the field and bolstering their ranks after a disappointing 2023 NFL season. 

Besides the intriguing Moss, Mike Gesicki and Geno Stone have agreed to deals with the Bengals. They also re-signed a host of players on expiring deals, having a strong start to free agency. 

Mixon is headed to Houston to join an interesting Texans team full of young and veteran talent. C.J. Stroud made some noise last season with his impressive play. They already have a notable wide receiver duo with Tank Dell and Nico Collins, and adding Joe Mixon will elevate their game. 

In seven seasons with the Bengals, Mixon played 97 games, rushing for 6,412 yards in 1,571 attempts and scoring 49 touchdowns. 

With Devin Singletary headed to New York to join the Giants, Mixon could take on the biggest workload for the Texans. They'll try to build on the impressive 2023 season and make another statement in Stroud's sophomore campaign. 

The Texans are one of the most intriguing teams in the AFC and Mixon's addition will be major for them.

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