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The $8 Million Question: Will Joe Mixon Ever Play for the Texans Again?
Uncertainty in Houston: DeMeco Ryans’ “No Clarity” Remark Casts Shadow Over Joe Mixon’s 2026 Season
A Lost Season and a Lingering InjuryJoe Mixon was acquired to be the engine of the Texans’ ground game, but a foot and ankle injury suffered during the 2025 offseason turned into a season-long vanishing act. Despite Mixon’s occasional social media pushback against reports of his absence, he never touched the field in 2025.
On Monday, DeMeco Ryans was blunt when asked about Mixon’s return: “As of right now, I don’t know that answer… No clarity.”The Financial Reality: Cut or Keep?The Texans are in a powerful position regarding Mixon’s contract. While he is technically under contract for 2026, the $8 million salary he is owed is non-guaranteed.
- Financial Flexibility: Houston can release Mixon this spring with zero dead cap hit.
- Roster Transition: With rookie Woody Marks showing promise and veteran Nick Chubb providing depth, the Texans may prefer to use that $8M to bolster the defense or offensive line.
Impact on the Texans’ OffenseThe lack of a consistent lead back was felt throughout 2025. Houston struggled in the run game, ranking in the bottom third of the league in yards per carry. Ryans acknowledged the impact, stating, “Joe is one of the top running backs in this league. Not having him, yes, of course, it affected our running game.”If Mixon is indeed “cooked”—as some local reports suggest regarding his foot’s recovery—the Texans will likely be a top destination for free-agent RBs or a high-round draft pick in the coming months.
