Joe Mixon trade grades: Who won the Bengals – Texans deal?

Two years ago, I might have been more excited about Mixon joining an ascending AFC team. In the present day, he remains a talented player at the age of 27, but he can also be very boom or bust, depending on the matchup. Mixon recorded just one game over 100 yards rushing during the 2023 season, and even with a high volume in receptions (52) that only amounted to 376 yards. I would’ve attributed this dip in production to Jake Browning filling in for Joe Burrow if Mixon hadn’t already enjoyed the third-worst statistical season of his career in 2022.

None of this is to say that Mixon can’t shine in Houston. There is a place for him in a log-jammed backfield highlighted by Dameon Pierce, who shined as a rookie and fizzled out like a comet last season. CJ Stroud needs someone more experienced in catching passes out of the backfield and a true bell-cow back overall. Mixon could fit that bill, even if he’s likely on the downslope toward the end of his career. For the Texans, he is undoubtedly a massive upgrade:

At a likely cheap price, you could do a lot worse than Mixon on a rising contender. I’m just not that moved by it.

Grade: B