The Houston Texans found a new starting running back when they traded with the Cincinnati Bengals for former Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. The 27-year-old had one year left on his contract when he joined the Texans before the team gave him a new one.
Houston extended Mixon three years worth up to $27 million to remain a Texan for the foreseeable future. More details about Mixon’s contract have since emerged, according to KPRC’s 2 Aaron Wilson.
The contract extension will keep Mixon in Houston through his age-30 season, and he will become a free agent in 2027. The deal’s base salary is $25.5 million, the seventh highest in the league, according to Spotrac.
Mixon’s contract extension guarantees $13 million and has a $6 million signing bonus. His first two years are fully guaranteed. He’ll cost $3 million in 2024 and $7 million in 2025. The deal includes $500k max per game active bonuses and an annual $500k rushing yards incentive.
Mixon played seven seasons in Cincinnati. He finished with the third-most rushing yards and second-most rushing touchdowns in Bengals history. In 2020, Mixon signed a four-year, $48 million deal.
Houston’s rushing offense was one of the least efficient in the NFL in 2023. They were in the bottom-five in yards per carry. Mixon rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his seven seasons in Cincinnati. Over the past two seasons, Mixon has not fumbled.
While running backs typically don’t receive financial security at this point in their careers, Houston is trusting the veteran back to remain healthy and productive for them. There is a potential out of the contract after the 2025 season.