HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have officially released veteran running back Joe Mixon, bringing an end to a brief but impactful stint in Texas. The move, requested by Mixon and confirmed Friday, March 6, 2026, opens $8 million in salary cap space for the team as they turn the page to David Montgomery as their lead back. The news comes after Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury.
Mixon, 29, joined the Texans in 2024 via a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, quickly establishing himself as a key offensive weapon. He rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with Houston, earning Pro Bowl honors. His debut performance against the Indianapolis Colts saw him rack up 159 yards and a touchdown, signaling a potentially dynamic partnership with quarterback C.J. Stroud.
However, a high ankle sprain early in the 2024 season briefly sidelined him, costing him three games. Despite the injury, Mixon continued to be a productive force, exceeding 100 rushing yards in seven of his first nine outings as a Texan. He also contributed in the playoffs, scoring touchdowns in each of Houston’s postseason games and delivering another 100-yard performance in the Wild Card Round.
The 2025 season, unfortunately, took a drastically different turn. Mixon suffered a foot injury during the offseason, the specifics of which the Texans have not publicly disclosed. The injury forced him onto the non-football injury list, sidelining him for the entirety of the season. The prolonged absence and lack of clarity surrounding his recovery seemingly strained the relationship between the player and the team, leading to Mixon’s request for release.
The Texans’ acquisition of David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions earlier this week signaled a shift in the team’s running back plans. The trade, which involved sending offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and multiple draft picks to Detroit, indicated the team was preparing for a future without Mixon. Montgomery is expected to take on the primary ball-carrying role in the Texans’ offense.
During Mixon’s absence in 2025, the Texans relied on a combination of rookie Woody Marks, who led the team with 703 rushing yards and veteran Nick Chubb, who added 506 yards on the ground. However, the team struggled to establish a consistent running game, finishing 22nd in the league in rushing yards per game with an average of 108 yards.
The release of Mixon allows the Texans to free up valuable cap space as they navigate the upcoming free agency period, which begins on March 11. This financial flexibility will enable the team to pursue other potential additions to bolster their roster. The $8 million in savings will be crucial as Houston looks to build upon its recent playoff appearance.
While his time in Houston was ultimately cut short, Mixon leaves behind a memorable 2024 season and a legacy as a talented and versatile running back. At 29, he remains a viable option for teams seeking a veteran presence in their backfield. He’ll enter free agency with a proven track record and the potential to contribute to a recent offense.
The Texans, meanwhile, are focused on building a sustainable running attack around David Montgomery and a supporting cast that can complement his skillset. The team will look to improve its rushing efficiency and establish a more consistent ground game in the 2026 season.
What’s next for the Texans is a full focus on the upcoming league year and building around Montgomery. The team will be active in free agency and the draft, looking to address needs across the roster. Fans can expect further updates from the team as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on the Texans and the NFL as the offseason progresses.
