The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Joe Mixon have reached an agreement on a restructured contract that will keep him with the team for the 2023 season.
Mixon had a base salary of $9.4 million for the upcoming season, with a cap hit of $12.8 million, as reported by Spotrac. In the previous season, Mixon played in 14 games and rushed for 814 yards, scoring seven touchdowns. He also contributed to the passing game with 60 receptions and two receiving touchdowns in the same season.
Mixon’s future in Cincinnati had been murky due to his involvement in legal issues, including a pending case of aggravated menacing from the day the Bengals traveled to Buffalo for the divisional playoff round. With a significant cap hit of $12.8 million, Mixon had limited options: either accept a pay cut or seek employment elsewhere. By accepting the pay cut, he remains in contention for a role in the Bengals’ backfield, while also alleviating a cash hit of $10 million for the 26-year-old.
Mixon’s agent, Peter Schaffer, released a statement to multiple outlets on Friday, saying, “Joe just agreed to a restructuring of his deal. His goal is to win a Super Bowl and play his career in Cincinnati, and this is the best way to accomplish these goals.”
Mixon was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the team.