Joe Mixon Reportedly Expected to Be Released, Latest Texans Rumors Ahead of Free Agency

The Houston Texans are expected to release running back Joe Mixon, according to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson.

Houston is also looking to explore the "high-end free agent running back market," per Wilson.

Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, with Texans general manager Nick Caserio revealing that the 29-year-old eventually underwent surgery at the end of the year.

Mixon spent the first seven years of his career as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals before he was traded to Houston during the 2024 offseason.

The Texans subsequently handed him a three-year, $27 million contract extension.

Releasing Mixon would save Houston approximately $8 million in 2026 cap space while resulting in $2 million in dead money, via Over the Cap.

While he missed time during his first season with the Texans due to an ankle injury, he still made his presence felt when available.

Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games, hauling in 36 receptions for 309 yards. He eventually earned the second Pro Bowl nod of his career.

The 29-year-old also picked up 194 rush yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry in two playoff games.

With Mixon unavailable, Houston's backfield was primarily occupied by Nick Chubb and Woody Marks in 2025. While both players showed promise at times, neither recorded over 4.1 yards per attempt on the season.

As the Texans attempt to go on a deeper playoff run following their third consecutive divisional-round exit, they could be active on the running back market in free agency.