Joe Mixon and the Bengals are in the process of finalizing a contract restructure that will keep the veteran running back in Cincinnati for the 2023 season on a more team-friendly deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Mixon, who was set to earn $10.1 million and carry a salary cap hit of $12.791 this upcoming season, will agree to take a pay cut to remain with the 2023 AFC runners-up. Initial reports did not indicate the new terms of the 26-year-old’s deal, but made clear that the restructure will set the ballcarrier up to return as the Bengals’ top running back.
“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,” Peter Schaffer, Mixon’s agent, said in a statement, per Schefter.
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/Pa3cHBAtv3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 14, 2023
Mixon, a second-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2017, has spent his entire career with the Bengals and has developed into one of the league’s top lead running backs. After making his first Pro Bowl in 2021, the veteran racked up 814 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season in 14 games played. Mixon also proved his value in Cincinnati’s elite passing attack, making 60 catches for 441 yards and two scores as a favorite target out of the backfield for Joe Burrow.
The Bengals took a small step back last season, falling in the AFC championship game to the Chiefs after playing in the Super Bowl the year prior. With Mixon back in the fold, Cincinnati’s offense promises to be one of the NFL’s best once again as the franchise sets its sights on lifting the Lombardi Trophy next February.
