Joe Mixon Reportedly Released by Texans After Missing Season with Injury, Updated NFL Salary Cap

The Houston Texans are releasing veteran running back Joe Mixon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The two-time Pro Bowler had just one year left on his contract. The Texans save $8.5 million against the salary cap by moving on, and they'll have to carry $2 million in dead money.

Mixon's departure was pretty much telegraphed, and Houston made it even more clear with the acquisition of David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions.

Beyond the financial considerations at play, Mixon missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury.

Houston coach DeMeco Ryans was noncommittal about his status for 2026.

"As of right now, I don't know that answer right now. No clarity," Ryans told reporters when asked in January whether Mixon would be back.

While never reaching an elite level, Mixon has been a consistent performer across his pro career. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage six times in eight years, and he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

Following his trade to the Texans in March 2024, Mixon provided a lift to the ground game. He was their first 1,000-yard rusher since Carlos Hyde in 2019.

Without Mixon, Houston was once again without a 1,000-yard back. Woody Marks (703) was the team leader in rushing yards, followed by Nick Chubb (506).

Maybe he wouldn't have changed the outcome, but a healthy Mixon certainly would've helped in the AFC divisional round. Houston had 48 rushing yards as a team in a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots.

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Even if he had remained under contract, Mixon's lingering foot injury raised questions over how much he could've contributed to Houston's backfield.

A new team is unlikely to sign him with an eye toward making him the primary ball-carrier. A change of scenery will at least give him a better path forward than he had with the Texans.