Will Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon be back with the Houston Texans in 2026?
Right now, that remains a mystery not just to the public, but also to Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans entering the offseason.
“As of right now, I don’t know that answer right now,” Ryans said on Monday during his final press conference when asked if Mixon will return for next season. “No clarity.”
Mixon, who missed the entire season while on the NFI list, suffered a foot injury in the offseason that lingered into training camp. By the middle of the regular season, reports began to swirl that the team wasn’t expecting their leading rusher back at any point in the year and that his time in Houston could be over entering the following offseason.
Acquired before free agency in the 2024 offseason, Mixon had one of his best seasons as a pro, guiding the Texans’ offense to a second AFC South division title with C.J. Stroud and Ryans at the helm, along with a 10-7 record and wild-card round victory. He finished with 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
He was named to the Pro Bowl roster. While sidelined, Mixon’s impact was felt in the run game with a limited personnel for new play-caller Nick Caley.
“When you have your best players, you’re going to be a better team,” Ryans said. “Joe, he’s a really great running back for us and not having him, yes, of course, it affected our running game. Joe is one of the top running backs in this league. That affected us.”
Mixon inked a three-year, $27 million contract after being traded to Houston and remains under contract for next season. He was due a guaranteed $7 million last season and is due a nonguaranteed $8 million in 2026.
If the Texans cut Mixon this offseason, it would be without any financial consequence. After what felt like a long season culminating in a forgotten year at running back, Houston could be parting ways with a player who once was viewed by many as the next great rusher down off NRG Drive.
The Texans own the No. 28 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Will the Texans move off Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon after a lost season?
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
