2024 NFL free agency: Texans get A- for Joe Mixon trade

The Houston Texans have a new starting running back in former Cincinnati Bengal Joe Mixon, whom they acquired in a trade early Tuesday.

It’s a big move to get a Day 1 starter, and all it cost Houston was a seventh-round pick, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. Now, the Texans have a 27-year-old who rushed for 1,034 yards this past season — his fourth 1,000-yard season of his career — with nine rushing touchdowns and 12 total touchdowns.

The one-time Pro Bowler has a $6.1 million cap hit, a base salary of $2.2 million, and a roster bonus that will kick in on March 18 for $3 million, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. The deal also includes a lot of production incentives. Not bad for a seven-year veteran.

Mixon’s final season in Cincinnati was one of his least efficient after he averaged four yards per carry, though. Just six running backs forced fewer missed tackles than Mixon, according to Pro Football Focus.

However, the move to Houston could rejuvenate Mixon and the paltry Texans run game. Houston finished in the bottom- 10 of the league in many categories, but there is optimism for improvement.

Joe Mixon gained 376 receiving yards in 2023, including +131 receiving yards over expected, 4th-most among running backs.

Texans running backs gained +28 YAC over expected last season, 4th-fewest in the NFL.#WeAreTexans https://t.co/VtbqJ741eB pic.twitter.com/9lmR51MkUY

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 12, 2024

Mixon is a larger running back at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, which should help the Texans’ short-yardage ground game. Houston was dreadful in this area, especially on late downs. The offense ranked league average on third-down conversion percentage and third-worst on fourth-down conversion percentage.

Houston’s new back is a north-and-south runner who averages 2.6 seconds behind the line of scrimmage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats — the third-fastest among running backs. Singletary averaged 2.84 seconds, and 2022 fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce averaged 3.0 seconds. 

A primary issue Texans fans had with first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was his persistence in running the football on first and second down despite being wildly inefficient. Houston had a negative rush/expected points added in every rushing location except behind left tackle Laremy Tunsil, according to The Kneel Down,

The fit in the offense run by Slowik — a Kyle Shanahan disciple — is a bit unclear. Slowik called zone runs on half of the Texans’ run plays. Mixon, however, handled zone runs on just 41% of his carries, largely because the Bengals mostly operated out of shotgun. Houston called the fourth-most run play from under center this past season to help set up its deep play action passes.

Despite being a larger back, Mixon is a smooth runner who changes directions quickly. He reads the leverage of second-level defenders well and has a keen sense of when to make his cuts. Mixon’s running style makes him a good fit for Houston’s zone running game.

Mixon does have a connection to the Texans, too. Former Bengals offensive coordinator and current Texans senior offensive analyst Bill Lazor coached Mixon during his first two seasons in the league. In 2018, 68.4% of Mixon’s carries were zone runs, and he rushed for 1,168 yards, a career-high 4.9 yards per carry.

Mixon has proven to be a workhorse back, handling over 200 carries in five of his seven seasons. However, the Texans may still be in the running back market.

Speaking around today, #Texans are still likely to look at another potential running back. The Joe Mixon trade was a start, but Houston wants to up its run game.

Several names out there that could make sense include Alexander Mattison, J.K. Dobbins, CEH, D’Onta Foreman & others.

— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) March 12, 2024

As Mixon ages, his breakaway run percentage drops, including his career-worst 16.2% this past season, according to PFF. He is also a capable receiver, but Houston may seek an RB better suited for a receiving role.

Houston opted to trade for Mixon rather than wait for his release on Wednesday. Depending on the contract Mixon receives in the 2025 free agency cycle, Houston could potentially benefit by receiving a compensatory draft pick as well if they let him go next offseason. Had Houston waited to sign Mixon, they wouldn’t have been eligible to receive compensation. 

Grade: A-