Joe Mixon released by Texans: A shocking NFL free agency twist

The news arrived quietly in Houston, but it carries a significant implication: Joe Mixon is now a free agent after the Houston Texans officially released the veteran running back on Friday.

The move comes just days after Houston secured a deal to acquire David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, signaling a clear shift in the team's backfield plans ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Houston made the transaction official one day after Mixon himself requested to be released. The decision follows the Texans' agreement to bring in Montgomery as their projected starting running back, a deal expected to become official next week.

For the Texans, the move is both a roster reset and a financial one. By parting ways with Mixon, the team frees up approximately $8.5 million in cap space.

The 29-year-old running back did not play during the 2025 season due to an off-field foot injury that has remained largely unexplained publicly.

During the league's annual scouting combine, Texans general manager Nick Caserio confirmed that Mixon underwent surgery this offseason but declined to provide further details about the nature of the injury.

The lack of clarity around his health has added uncertainty to his future, especially as he approaches his 30th birthday this summer, a milestone that often signals the later stage of a running back's career in the NFL.

Why Mixon's situation matters

Despite missing last season, Mixon's track record in the league remains substantial.

He joined the Texans ahead of the 2024 campaign after spending the first seven years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his first season in Houston, he delivered an immediate impact.

Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 2024, earning a Pro Bowl selection and quickly establishing himself as the Texans' primary offensive weapon in the backfield.

Over the course of his career, he has accumulated, 7,428 rushing yards, 60 rushing touchdowns, and multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

Those numbers place him among the more productive running backs of his generation.

However, durability concerns and the mystery surrounding his recent injury could influence how teams view him in free agency.

For the Texans, the acquisition of Montgomery represents a shift toward a younger, fully healthy option to support quarterback C.J. Stroud and the team's evolving offensive identity.

Now a free agent, Mixon could either attempt a comeback with another NFL team or potentially step away from the game depending on his recovery.

Running backs nearing 30 often face a limited market, but his 2024 performance could still make him an attractive short-term option if he proves healthy.

Teams looking for veteran depth or a rotational back may monitor his recovery closely in the coming months.

For now, Mixon's career sits at an unusual crossroads. A productive player coming off a strong season, but with lingering medical questions that could determine whether his next chapter happens on the field or away from it.