Texans’ Updated Depth Chart, Salary Cap After Rumored Joe Mixon Trade with Bengals

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The Houston Texans reportedly added a dynamic talent to their backfield that will surely boost their offense.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans acquired veteran running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. It was initially reported that the Bengals planned to release Mixon, but the Texans swooped in with a trade offer for the seven-year veteran.

Acquiring Mixon gives Houston an experienced and reliable ball-carrier to add to its young offensive core. Here’s how he fits in on the team’s depth chart of skill position players:

Per Over The Cap, the Texans have about $50.1 million in salary cap space. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted that Mixon is set to make $5.75 million, including a $3 million roster bonus due Sunday, in 2024, which is the final year of his contract. Adding his salary to the books will not restrict Houston from doing some more spending this offseason.

Mixon started all 17 games for the Bengals in 2023 and recorded 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns on 257 carries while also adding 52 catches for 376 yards and three more scores. It was the fourth 1,000-yard season of his seven-year career.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Mixon has been a workhorse running back since he entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2017 draft. He has recorded over 175 carries in six seasons, and his 6,412 career rushing yards ranks third in Bengals franchise history.

The Texans were expected to be seeking an upgrade to the running back position after Devin Singletary led the team with 898 yards last season. Singletary signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants on Monday, giving Houston the chance to make a splash move.

Adding Mixon should work wonders for Stroud, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after his sensational first season in the NFL. Having a three-down back who can also be a factor in the passing game will benefit Stroud, who thrives off of play-action and deep passes.

The Texans won the AFC South and advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, so they are one of the fastest-rising teams in the league. The addition of Mixon further solidifies Houston as a contender in the AFC next season.