Cincinnati Bengals keep RB Joe Mixon, Restructure Contract

Running back Joe Mixon is staying with the Cincinnati Bengals, as per a re-structured contract that will help the franchise navigate some cap space. He has been an integral part of the club’s success over the past two years, and both parties agree that he should continue being a key figure.

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Bengals and Joe Mixon Agree to New Contract

The running back was originally set to earn a base salary of $10.1 million in 2023 but is now guaranteed $5.51 with $2 million that can be attained via incentives. All said, Mixon has accepted pay cuts of $4.39 million and $4.67 million for the next two campaigns to keep wearing a Bengals jersey.

There was speculation in the early days of the offseason as to whether the rusher would return to the franchise. That said, the club did not select a rusher high in the draft. Not helping matters was an alleged incident back in January which will culminate with a court trial on August 14. He is facing a charge of pointing a pistol at another person in a case of apparent road rage.

How that affects his 2023 season remains to be seen. As for his accomplishments, the Bengals are banking on a return to his 2021 form when he ran for 1,205 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per touch. His 2022, hampered by a concussion that kept him out of the lineup for two games, was not nearly as impressive although still solid by most numbers. He rushed for 814 yards and reached the end zone on seven occasions.

Mixon has spent all six of his seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and surpassed 1,000 yards three times.

While Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr chase fuel the offence, Mixon’s contributions unquestionably help balance the attack.