How Texans managed fluid running back market, why they did $27 million deal for Joe Mixon: ‘He deserves what he got’

ORLANDO, Fla. – A widely repeated narrative predicting gloom and doom and a depressed running back market was quickly dispelled as a falsehood.

Instead of financial disappointment, the running backs cashed out in a big-time fashion. There were multiple respectable running back deals in terms of new money as several standout runners switched teams.

The Texans were in the middle of the running back derby, wheeling and dealing and negotiated or held conversations about contract parameters with several of the free agents.

The Texans were in need of a proven running back after being outbid by the Philadelphia Eagles for running back Saquon Barkley. They bid three-years and a bit north of $33 million on Barkley, but he signed for significantly more money with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a three-year, $46.75 million maximum value deal with the Eagles with a base value of $37.75 million and $26 million fully guaranteed.

Then, the Texans lost starting running back Devin “Motor” Singletary in free agency to the New York Giants, Barkley’s former team, as they made him an offer averaging $4 million. He got a three-year, $19.5 million deal from the Giants.

The Texans talked with DeAndre Swift, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears and Tony Pollard, who got a similar deal from the Tennessee Titans.

Ultimately, the Texans pivoted to Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon who had four 1,000 yard seasons in seven years for the Cincinnati Bengals. They traded a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for Mixon. Then, they promptly signed him to a three-year, $27 million contract that included $13 million guaranteed with a $6 million signing bonus.

“The running back market was very, very fluid this year. a lot of guys and it feels like everybody just switched teams,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said during the NFL owners meetings. “All those guys are really good players, top players. You see the narrative of the running backs before of them not being able to get the contract they deserve. Now, to see that narrative flip in one period, it was pretty cool to see.

“Hate losing Motor. Motor was great for us, not only the play, but in the locker room. He was an outstanding leader for us. I really hate losing Motor. Happy to get Joe and what he brings to us. There was a lot of movement with Saquon with De’Andre Swift. We’re happy to get Joe. Hate to lose Motor, but I feel like Joe will help us out a lot.”

A former Pro Bowl selection who helped lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, Mixon, 27, was traded to the Texans in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick. Initially, the Bengals were planning to release him after reaching a two-year, $8 million contract with running back Zack Moss. Then, a reverse play ensued as the Bengals opted to trade him.

The Texans feel good about paying Mixon on a deal that includes a $6 million signing bonus with salaries of $3 million and $7 million guaranteed in the first two seasons and a nonguaranteed $8 million in the third season of the contract.

“Joe was a guy who’s done it for a long time, and he’s been very consistent,” Ryans said. “Adding a great player to our team, and we knew we had to fix the contract. That was the same situation there in Cincinnati. When you add a great player to your team, he deserves what he got. We were looking to add a running back.

“We were looking to add a playmaker at that position. We felt like Joe has done if for a long time in his career. He’s been very consistent going against him multiple times. He’s a very physical runner and he does a great job of protecting the ball. He does a great job in the passing game, an all-around back. Being able to add him to our team, it helps our offense.”

Mixon had five seasons with at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage.

To leave Cincinnati, the team that drafted him in the second round of out Oklahoma after seven years, yes, it still makes Mixon feel some kind of way even as he’s embracing his new situation in Houston with the AFC South champions.

“It was definitely shocking,” Mixon said after signing a deal that includes $13 million guaranteed with a $10 million payout in the first year of his new contract. “I took that 24 to 48 hours to hurt. It took a while. I’m still having emotional feelings about it. That’s a place where I could forever feel like that’s home for me.

“I’m just very grateful that the fans, they embraced me the way that they did, and I just love everything about the way that the fans were. We bought the city of Cincinnati, we got it back lit again, and I plan on bringing that same thing here. These fans, I’m sure they got a taste of it last year, but I feel like with what we’ve got in the making, I think it’s going to be a great thing. I’m just excited to be here, feel wanted, and I just can’t wait to make the most of my opportunity when my number is called.”

Mixon rushed for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 when the Bengals reached the Super Bowl. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Mixon is known for his power, moves and speed. He has rushed for 6,412 career yards and a 4.1 average with 49 touchdown runs and caught 284 passes for 2,139 yards and 13 scores. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL scouting combine..

And Ryans isn’t concerned about Mixon’s staying power or durability.

“I’m not thinking about a drop-off,” Ryans said. “I’m thinking about the positives and the things that Joe has done in his career. He’s been consistent throughout his entire career, a guy who can move the chains for you, a guy who can open up the passing game with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He just opens up the things we can do offensively.”

For a running game that ranked 23rd in the NFL last season, Mixon represents a clear upgrade with his strength, elusiveness and pass-catching skills.

“I definitely feel like with what we have here, we’ve got the right things stirring and cooking, and we’ve just got to make sure we bring everybody along the way to being on the road to greatness,” Mixon said. “In terms of with the offense, I think that we’ve just got to do whatever we can to take care of the football, make plays, and obviously come with that intensity each and every week. I think that we’ll be happy with the results that we get.

“I feel great being in this here situation. Got a great group of guys around me. Talked to the coaches, and just where they see me playing in this here offense is definitely exciting times, man, so I just can’t wait to get going.”

The Texans’ offense is headlined by quarterback C.J. Stroud, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who boosted the team to an AFC South championship and a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns. He’s the trigger of a high-powering passing game. Having the balance of Mixon pounding the football could send offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense to a new level.

“C.J. is a phenomenal player,” Mixon said. “Obviously he was the Rookie of the Year, and that ain’t by no fluke. I think that we have a great group of guys in this here locker room. I was talking with DeMeco, and there’s a lot of guys running around, young, don’t know no better and ready to get after it. I’ve definitely been fortunate to be a part of something like that, so it’s a great thing coming into this situation and basically picking up where I left off. Definitely in a great position here, and definitely excited to start with my new beginnings.”

A California native, Mixon has scored 29 total touchdowns over the past three seasons.

When he joined the Bengals, they weren’t a contender. The Texans engineered a dramatic turnaround last season behind Ryans’ leadership, an offense led by Stroud and key roster moves from general manager Nick Caserio, the architect of the rebuilding after going 11-38-1 in the previous three seasons before going 11-8 last season.

Perhaps Mixon can provide the final piece to a team that could make a deep playoff run, maybe even chase a Super Bowl.

“I think these guys they’re young, they fly around, they make plays, and I think that where I could come in is bringing part of that attitude and getting the guys to come along and being able to make plays and finish the job and get over the hump,” Mixon said. “That’s what they brought me in for, and I firmly feel like I’ll be able to get the job done and make things happen. I look forward to it, and I’m ready to get after it, honestly.”

After the Bengals moved on from him, Mixon was energized by his lengthy conversation with Ryans, a dynamic leader.

To feel wanted again was significant for Mixon.

“When I talked to DeMeco about two days ago, for me, when I got on the phone with him, it was a hell of a feeling, man,” Mixon said. “It was like me feeling like I want to be here, like he embraced me, and he made me feel like I’m wanted. I love that about him. He was once a player, as well, and I think that with what he brings in terms of his intensity and him wanting to be around a great group of men. He pretty much leads by example, and if you see him, he’s very enthusiastic on the sideline. He’s jumping up and down while his players are making plays. Who wouldn’t want to play for a guy like that?

“I definitely feel like I’m here, I fit the culture and what they do and what they want to bring. It’s definitely a humbling time to be here, and I’m definitely ready and excited for this new beginning for sure. The things they’ve got cooking here, the city, they should definitely be exciting because it’s nothing but exciting things to be excited about. I think what we’ve got here cooking right now is on the right track, and there’s a lot of things to look forward to.”

In seven seasons, Mixon has rushed for 6,412 yards, 49 touchdowns and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. He has caught 283 passes for 2,139 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He was team captain each of the past three seasons with the Bengals.

“When I speak, I lead and speak with the command,” Mixon said. “Guys listen and they feed off of me. I’m going to just continue to be the same person that I’ve been since I walked in out there when I was 20 years old. Always been a leader, lead by example. And I do be a vocal leader, as well. I think that they’re definitely getting a playmaker, and I think the way things are being explained in the meetings that they’re willing to showcase everything that I can do, which has been exciting.

“I’ve been waiting for this a long time, and I can’t wait to make the most of every opportunity that I can because I just know the type of player that I am and the guys that’s around here and the supporting cast around, I think that I definitely could take this thing to the next level. With the quarterback we’ve got in CJ, like I said, he’s phenomenal, and I know for a fact he’s going to make that next jump, and that’s in terms of them playoff wins. I think Houston got nothing but great things coming their way, and to be proud with everything that we’re building here.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com