Best landing spots for Mixon
By: Jake Rajala
Joe Mixon, who had four 1k ushing yard seasons in Cincy, was released from Houston Texans (after missing all of 2026 with a foot injury). Joe Mixon isn’t an All-Pro running back, but he can make some noise. Mixon unleashed a Pro Bowl season in 2024. He ran for 1,016 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and also had 309 receiving yards. With that said, I’m going to lay out the best landing spots for Mixon.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions went from a Super Bowl favorite in 2024 to missing the playoffs last season. They got rid of David Montgomery, who was the best backup RB in the league. Perhaps they can add another down-hill, shifty RB to fill in the shoes for him. The Lions were 13th in rushing YPG with David. I don’t want to see them drop out of being a Top-20 team in rushing YPG. Each NFC North team also had a winning record last season, so they have to keep pace in the NFC North race.
Kansas City Chiefs
It feels like the Kansas City Chiefs have had a revolving door at RB for quite some time. Isiah Pacheco is a well-rounded RB, but he’s not a Top-15 RB in my opinion. Kareem Hunt is aggressive and elusive with the ball. Well, he’s a free agent soon. Mixon would be an upgrade over him. The Chiefs were also 24th in rushing YPG last season. They need more gifted ball-carriers in their offensive attack. Reid, also known as Big Red, needs to go back to the days where he had Jamal Charles in KC and LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia.
New Orleans Saints
I know the Saints have an old RB in Alvin Kamara, as he’s 30 years old. So, why should they add another old RB? Well, I believe Mixon still is more efficient than Kamara. Kamara only averaged 3.6 YPC, had 186 receiving yards, and had one total touchdowns. The RBs after him aren’t exactly daunting, as well. Kendre Miller has been injured or average at best. Devin Neal hasn’t proven to be worthy of being a RB2 or better. Just as there was once thunder and lightning with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, there can be thunder and lightning with Mixon and Kamara. Plus, the Saints were 28th in rushing YPG.
Update: Travis Etienne signs with the Saints on a deal worth $52 million dollars over four years.
Las Vegas Raiders
Sure, the Raiders have the high draft pick Ashton Jeanty at RB. Well, they were still 32nd in rushing YPG. Mixon can be the 1B to Jeanty, who is the 1A. Klint Kubiak is a creative genius on offense. He will know their strengths and know how to keep them fresh. The Raiders also play in one of the gutsiest NFL divisions (in the AFC West), so they could more toys on offense. Mixon is arguably a better third down RB than Jeanty, too.
Cincinnati Bengals
“Tell the world I’m coming home”
Cincy needs another powerful RB in their group. They were 29th in rushing YPG last season. Chase Brown is a slightly above average RB, but I’d like to see more prominent ball-carriers. Samjae Perine is a legit threat right now. He’s a modest rotational back, but he’s not going to unleash at least several hundred yards rushing or a few hundred yards receiving.
Minnesota Vikings
There is a lot of speculation that the veteran RB Aaron Jones could be released from the Vikings. If he does part ways, the Vikings really need a shiny, talented RB. They already struggle at the QB spot, they can’t afford to suffer at the RB position. The Vikings were also 23rd in rushing YPG. Hence, they needed to improve their running game with Jones at RB.
Update: Aaron Jones tweaked his contract to a lower figure.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need to have a lot of talent around Aaron Rodgers if they want to see him riding off into the sunset. The bowling ball, Najee Harris, is a free agent, who will likely leave elsewhere this offseason. Mixon can be the perfect replacement. A-Rod, Mixon, DK Metcalf, and Darnell Washington would be a fine group of players on offense. The Ravens just acquired Maxx Crosby. It’s the Steelers turn to make a splash move.
Honorable Mention:
Seattle Seahawks
If Kenneth Walker doesn’t return, I’d love to see Mixon go to the Rainy City. Mixon and Walker have similar abilities. K9 unleashed 1,027 yards, averaged 4.6 YPC, and also had five rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, he had 31 catches last season. In 2024, he registered 46 catches. Mixon and K9 are both capable of running in-between the tackles and on the outside. Furthermore, they are also capable of putting up big receiving numbers.
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