Houston trading for Bengals RB Mixon
The Texans are trading for Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon, a source confirmed to Hearst Newspapers.
Mixon, 27, is in the final year of his contract and is due $5.75 million in 2024 with a roster bonus slated for March 18. He was going to be released, but the Bengals found a trade partner in the Texans, who were also looking for a running back after missing out on Saquon Barkley and watching Devin Singletary leave for the Giants on Monday.
It’s unclear what the terms of the deal are. But Mixon, who is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, gives them an immediate upgrade at running back. He rushed for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. He also had 52 receptions for 376 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Texans coach Demeco Ryans said after the season and at the NFL scouting
combine that he wanted upgrade their running game. And though he didn’t specify how, they were expected to make a big move in free agency.
The Texans made a strong run at Barkley on
Monday, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions, the first day of the NFL’S legal tampering period, but he opted to sign with the Eagles.
Singletary, their lead
back in 2023, then agreed to a deal with the Giants.
Mixon didn’t become a target until it was reported that the Bengals were going to release him after signing running back Zack Moss. Mixon was due a roster bonus March 18.
But the Texans swooped in, offering to get the first crack at him before he hit the open market.
Mixon, who will be 28 in July, has rushed for 1,000 yards in four of his seven NFL seasons. He’s also been durable.
He played in all 17 games in 2023, and has rushed for 29 touchdowns in the last three seasons. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021.
Mixon should become the lead back and split carries with Dameon Pierce, who is entering his third year in the NFL.
Pierce, who led the Texans with 939 yards rushing in 2022, struggled in 2023 with the change to the outside zone running scheme under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. He rushed for 416 yards in 14 games last season.
Horton reveals cancer diagnosis
Texans defensive end Dylan Horton announced
Monday he is in remission after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December.
In late November, Horton took a leave of absence to deal with what he called a “personal health matter.” The fourth-round pick from TCU in last year’s NFL draft had not specified his health issue until Monday.
“On December 1st, 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” Horton said in a statement through the team. “Through God’s grace, I’m blessed to say that I’m currently in remission! I am grateful for the love from my family and friends, and support from the Texans organization and my doctors. My next objective is to complete my treatments, then get back to playing the game that I love. Thank you for your prayers and support as I continue this journey.”
Horton played in 10 games as a rookie, with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery.