After coming up short in the 2022-23 NFL Playoffs, and an offseason that’s seen its share of controversy surrounding how running backs are treated in today’s league, RB Joe Mixon has decided to run it back with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mixon and his agent have worked out a contract restructure that will see him take a pay cut in order to lower his $12.8 million cap hit this season.
“Joe just agreed to a restructuring of his deal,” Mixon’s agent Peter Schaffer told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “His goal is to win a Super Bowl and play his career in Cincinnati and this is the best way to accomplish these goals.”
As always, NFL Twitter has had mixed reactions to this news. Of course, that could just as well be due to the fact that Mixon has officially become the first Bengals player in team history to have his contract restructured. For some, they find this to be the right move as the franchise has many mouths to feed pretty soon. Notable players such as quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins, and linebacker Logan Wilson.
On the flip side, people have argued this is yet another example of running backs not getting the respect they deserve. Respect that fellow running back Josh Jacobs has been advocating for on social media. Mixon stepped up in the passing game last season, putting together a career high 441 receiving yards thus demonstrating his versatility. Overall, the running back finished 2022 with over 1,200+ scrimmage yards (814 rushing, 441 receiving) and 9 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 2 receiving).
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday morning that Mixon’s reworked deal now includes a base salary of $5.51 million for 2023, with an extra $2 million available in incentives. This means Mixon took pay cuts of $4.39 million and $4.67 million for the next two years to stay with Cincy.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is looking to cash in on a Super Bowl win this year with this offensive juggernaut, before bags of money will be needed to be shoveled out. The 2024 offseason is going to be very interesting for this team, that goes without saying.
Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon, who had $9.4 million non-guaranteed base salary, agreed tonight to restructure his contract to remain in Cincinnati. “Joe’s goal is to win a Super Bowl and play his career in Cincinnati and this is the best way to accomplish these goals,” said his agent… pic.twitter.com/AbMNhDteDL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 14, 2023
