Potential landing spots for Joe Mixon after Texans release

Joe Mixon got his wish from the Houston Texans after asking for his release from the team. Mixon has been a productive running back in the NFL, but a foot injury kept him sidelined for the 2025 season.

For several seasons, he served as a steady part of the offense for the Cincinnati Bengals and consistently produced when healthy.

The NFL moves quickly, though. Running backs age faster than most positions, and front offices rarely hesitate to move on when the salary no longer matches the timeline of the roster.

That leaves Mixon looking for his next opportunity.

The good news for him is that several teams could still use an experienced runner who understands pass protection, ball security, and the grind of a long season.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas always finds its way into conversations like this.

Owner Jerry Jones typically does not make big splashes in free agency, but 2026 may be the year to do so. Running back remains one position where the Cowboys continue searching for stability.

The offense runs through Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, so Dallas does not need a star in the backfield. What they could use is reliability. Someone who can handle early downs and keep the offense on schedule when games slow down.

Financially, it would not be difficult. Dallas has enough flexibility to absorb a short veteran contract without creating problems elsewhere on the roster.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are building around young quarterback Jayden Daniels and trying to create balance on offense.

Young quarterbacks benefit from a strong running game that prevents defenses from teeing off on obvious passing downs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has proven he can carry the ball, but depth behind him remains thin.

General manager Adam Peters has emphasized building a complete roster rather than leaning on one player. Adding a veteran runner like Mixon could help stabilize the offense while Daniels continues developing.

Washington also has one advantage many teams do not. Salary cap space is not an issue.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears spent the past year reshaping their offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.

Most of the attention has focused on the passing game, but late-season football in Chicago often comes down to controlling the ground attack. D'Andre Swift brings speed and big-play ability, though his career has rarely included a heavy workload for an entire season.

Mixon could complement that skill set. Chicago would gain a runner comfortable handling a large number of carries if needed.

What will Mixon cost?

The contract itself likely will not scare many teams away.

Veteran running backs entering their thirties rarely command massive deals anymore. Mixon’s next contract will likely fall somewhere in the four to six million dollar range on a one-year agreement with incentives.

For teams like Dallas, Washington or Chicago, that type of commitment barely dents the salary cap. The real question is not money, but Mixon's health.

If Mixon proves he still looks like the player who regularly pushed past one thousand rushing yards in Cincinnati, someone will give him another opportunity. If injuries continue to linger, however, the market will become much quieter.

Everything depends on what version of Mixon shows up once offseason workouts begin.