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It’s not entirely clear what’s in store for Joe Mixon right now, considering he has some legal allegations to deal with.
However, it appears the Cincinnati Bengals are still interested in having Mixon on the roster, but there’s a bit of a catch.
According to The Athletic, Joe Mixon’s contract may be what decides his fate in Cincinnati. Reports claim it will be, “about whether or not he’s willing to realign his $12.8 million cap hit and $10 million in cash to the current state of the running back market.”
The Athletic continues to suggest that if Mixon refuses to renegotiate his contract, then, “the Bengals will probably tap into the veteran backwaters that are currently overflowing with victims of the philosophical shift away from paying the position.”
So, in short, the Bengals would like for Joe Mixon to take a pay cut on his contract if he wants to stay on the roster. Additionally, Cincinnati sounds more than willing to let him go if need be.
It’s a move that makes sense for the Bengals. The running back market has dwindled down significantly over recent years.
Between the possibility of Mixon serving a suspension by the NFL over his legal allegations, and the fact Cincinnati has plenty of stars on the roster they’d like to pay big money to, Mixon could find himself on the chopping block.
It’s also important to note how many talented running backs remain in the free agent pool. Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette, and Kareem Hunt are all possible options for the Bengals if they release Joe Mixon.
This is certainly a situation to monitor, as Joe Mixon has a big decision to make for his contract and career in the NFL.