Report: Bengals likely to release Joe Mixon if he rejects pay cut

On Wednesday, Mixon pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated menacing after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and threatened to shoot her back in January. Mixon's initial charges were dismissed, then refiled earlier this month. 

After posting career highs in total yardage and touchdowns in 2021, Mixon regressed last season, rushing for 814 yards, his lowest since 2020, when he played in just six games. 

His production alone doesn't justify the fourth-highest cap hit for his position, but his legal issues make releasing him a no-brainer.

Additionally, quarterback Joe Burrow and wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins should receive extensions in the not-too-distant future, further proving the foolishness of allocating significant cap space to a tailback.

Cincinnati saw backup Samaje Perine leave in free agency, and if it moves on from Mixon, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans would be the remaining running backs on the roster. Given that the two have combined for 315 career rushing yards, it's worth considering drafting the six-year vet's replacement.

The consensus top running back in this year's draft, Texas' Bijan Robinson, would be the ideal candidate, though, with his talent, he'll likely get selected before Cincinnati's 28th pick. Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs could be a viable option, and he has the skill set the team seems to desire.

Over the past few seasons, Cincinnati emphasized getting Mixon more pass-catching work, which helped him achieve career highs in receiving yards in 2021 and 2022. Gibbs, who recorded 104 receptions for 1,217 receiving yards in his collegiate career, could fit the mold OC Brian Callahan envisions.

With the 2023 NFL Draft beginning on April 27, it shouldn't be long before Mixon's status with the Bengals becomes clear.