The Cincinnati Bengals and star running back Joe Mixon have reached an agreement on a restructured contract that will keep Mixon in Cincinnati for the 2023 season, according to a team source. This news comes after months of speculation about Mixon’s future with the team due to legal issues and his high salary cap hit.
Before the restructuring, Mixon had a base salary of $9.4 million and a cap hit of $12.8 million for the 2023 season, as reported by Spotrac. In the 2022 season, Mixon played in 14 games and rushed for 814 yards and seven touchdowns. He also contributed with 60 receptions and two receiving touchdowns.
The decision to restructure Mixon’s contract means that he will remain with the Bengals for the upcoming season. This was not a guarantee, as Mixon had been involved in two legal cases, including an aggravated menacing charge stemming from an incident during the Bengals’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. With a declining running back market and a hefty cap hit, Mixon had two options: take a pay cut or leave the team. Ultimately, he chose to take a pay cut, which not only keeps him in Cincinnati but also reduces his cash hit by $10 million.
The restructuring of Mixon’s contract was expected, as it was part of the team’s offseason plan to create a more manageable cap number. However, there was some doubt due to the Bengals’ history of not completing restructured contracts. In the past, most players who were offered restructures or pay cuts chose to leave the team. Mixon’s decision to stay is a testament to the changing times in Cincinnati and the willingness of players to tolerate certain situations in order to win.
Mixon’s agent, Peter Schaffer, released a statement confirming the restructuring and stating that Mixon’s goal is to win a Super Bowl and play his entire career in Cincinnati. This agreement is seen as the best way to achieve those goals.
Mixon, 26, was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the team. However, his off-field issues have been a cause for concern. In April, Mixon pleaded not guilty to an aggravated menacing charge that was filed against him earlier in the year. The charge stemmed from an alleged incident in which Mixon pointed a gun at a woman and made threatening statements. A judge initially dismissed the charge, but it was refiled in April after new evidence was discovered.
This is not the first time Mixon has faced legal trouble. In 2014, while playing for the University of Oklahoma, he was charged with misdemeanor assault for punching a woman. He was suspended for the 2014 season and given probation as part of a plea deal. Mixon was also suspended for a game in 2016 for violating team rules after an altercation with a parking attendant.
Despite his legal issues, Mixon has been a key player for the Bengals on the field. He has shown his ability as a versatile running back, contributing both in the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield. The Bengals will be hoping that Mixon can put his off-field troubles behind him and continue to be a productive member of the team.
In conclusion, the restructuring of Joe Mixon’s contract ensures that he will remain with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2023 season. This decision comes after months of uncertainty due to Mixon’s legal issues and high salary cap hit. While his off-field troubles are concerning, Mixon has proven to be a valuable player on the field and the Bengals will be hoping that he can continue to contribute to the team’s success.