The National Football League (NFL) landscape is constantly changing, and the position of the Cincinnati Bengals with their running back, Joe Mixon, is a testament to this changing dynamic.
After giving to Joe Mixon only 23 snaps in the AFC final against 43 for Samaje Perineumspeculation about the Bengals’ future plans with Mixon began to escalate.
The Cincinnati Bengals have appeared to signal their willingness to part ways with Joe Mixon, a move largely driven by financial implications. Mixon’s current salary and cap are substantial numbers, leading the Bengals to consider an alternative approach: They would prefer to keep him, provided he accepts a reduction in his financial expectations.
Paul Dehner Jr., of TheAthletic.com, summarizes this dilemma concisely. The critical factor will be Joe Mixon’s willingness to adjust his $12.8 million cap and $10 million cash package based on the current state of the running back market.
If Mixon isn’t willing to make those changes, the Bengals could explore veteran options that are currently plentiful, due to the NFL’s broader trend of cutting spending on running back positions.
In essence, the Bengals face a binary choice: ask Mixon to take a pay cut or part ways with him.
However, there are inherent risks to this move, especially if the stalemate drags on into the training camp season. The Bengals are at risk of Mixon suffering a season-ending injury before taking a pay cut.
Conversely, the longer this dispute lasts, the fewer options Mixon may have with other teams.
This financial pressure coincides with the impending second contract of team quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver, Tee Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase, another top receiver, is also expected to sign a new contract after the 2023 regular season.
In light of these looming financial commitments, the Bengals need to find areas to save money, and Mixon’s contract could be a potential target.
In a scenario without Joe Mixon, the Bengals’ running game becomes uncertain. The alternatives on the list, including Chase Brown, Chris Evans, Jacob Saylors, Calvin Tyler Jr. and Trayveon Williams, are unproven at the highest level.
Veteran running backs such as Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt, Leonard Fournette and Mark Ingram could be potential replacements, but each would likely have their own financial implications.
Retaining Joe Mixon would be the most advantageous scenario for the Bengals, but the feasibility of this plan remains uncertain. Should Mixon leave, his next destination could spark considerable intrigue across the NFL landscape.
At 27, Joe Mixon still has considerable ability and could be an asset to many teams.
2023-06-19 11:36:47
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