Predicting Joe Mixon’s Contract & Next Team

Joe Mixon joined the 2026 free agency class after the Texans released the running back. 

Mixon missed all of last season with a mysterious leg injury. It came after a successful 2024 season with the Texans, where Mixon rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

That success marked only the second season in which Mixon cleared 1,000 yards and 9.5 touchdowns. 

If not for his injury issues, Mixon would likely be a prized member of this free agency class. However, his health uncertainty leaves questions about his upcoming deal. 

Joe Mixon Contract: Predicting Mixon’s Free Agency Deal

It feels safe to assume that any team will only offer Mixon a one-year prove-it contract. Given his injury concerns from last season, a multi-year contract appears unlikely. 

The bigger question mark is how much money Mixon projects to make. At full health, Mixon easily ranks ahead of James Conner, who received a $3 AAV by re-signing with Arizona. 

A $10 million-plus price tag feels high for Mixon at age 30. Both running backs who cleared eight figures this offseason are younger than Mixon. 

Given the injury concerns, I’d project Mixon for somewhere around $7.5 million or $8 million on a one-year deal. 

That contract would align him with J.K. Dobbins’ deal. Dobbins, although younger, struggled to stay healthy as of late, too. 

Joe Mixon Next Team Predictions

A team that may elect to give Mixon a chance on a one-year deal is the Seattle Seahawks. 

Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III to free agency and has Zach Charbonnet dealing with a torn ACL. That leaves the team with a thin running back room heading into 2026. 

As it stands, Seattle wouldn’t need to blow a ton of cash by signing Mixon. Per Over the Cap, Seattle currently possesses $44 million in cap space and $40.9 million in effective room. 

Mixon would satisfy Seattle’s short-term need at running back while costing little. 

Another potential option is the Tennessee Titans. That, however, assumes Tennessee elects to not to draft Jeremiyah Love with the fourth overall pick. 

Currently, Tennessee’s running back room is headlined by Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. At full potential, Mixon likely offers higher upside than those two running backs.