Texans' next season easy after Joe Mixon injury update

Billy Heyen

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Joe Mixon's contract makes Texans' decision for next season easy after injury update image

TL;DR

  • Joe Mixon's contract with Houston Texans for 2026 is unlikely to be fulfilled.
  • Mixon will miss the 2025 season due to a foot/ankle injury.
  • Texans can save $8.5 million by releasing Mixon due to his contract structure.
  • Rookie RB Woody Marks' emergence and Mixon's age make his departure probable.

Joe Mixon is under contract with the Houston Texans for 2026.

It doesn't seem all that likely he'll still be in town, though.

Mixon is now set to miss the entire 2025 season after an offseason foot/ankle injury. He didn't get to follow up his strong 2024 with an encore.

When the Texans signed Mixon before 2024, it was to a three-year contract. But they made it relatively easy to get out of the deal after two seasons.

Mixon's compensation from The Texans for the full 2026 season, including salary and bonuses, would amount to $10.5 million. However, if he is released, the team would incur a dead cap charge of just $2 million.

The team could save $8.5 million in 2026 by Releasing Mixon. That appears straightforward, doesn't it?

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The Texans are undoubtedly better informed about the injury than outsiders, so they'd also be aware if there's any possibility of Mixon returning to his usual performance level.

With the emergence of rookie RB Woody Marks as a potential future leader of the backfield, Mixon appears significantly less crucial.

Mixon is set to reach the age of 30 before the start of the next season, which is often considered a problematic age for running backs.

Following this injury, Mixon is not only expected to be released but will probably only secure a minimal prove-it deal in free agency. He'll need to demonstrate his continued ability to play, considering his age and recovery from this unexplained injury.

It just doesn't seem very likely that'll be in a Texans uniform.

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