The Bengals Secure Mixon’s Stay for 2023 NFL Season

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The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Joe Mixon have reached an agreement on a restructured contract, ensuring his presence in Cincinnati for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.

Previously, Mixon had a $9.4 million base salary and a $12.8 million cap hit for the 2023 season. In the previous season, Mixon played 14 games, accumulating 814 rushing yards and scoring seven touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility with 60 receptions and two receiving touchdowns.

What Does This Mean for Mixon?

This agreement solidifies Mixon’s position in Cincinnati. There were doubts regarding his future with the team due to his involvement in two legal issues, including an unresolved case of aggravated menacing that originated from an incident on the day the Bengals traveled to Buffalo for the divisional playoff round. Mixon’s high $12.8 million cap hit, coupled with the declining running back market, left him with two options: accept a pay cut or seek opportunities elsewhere. By agreeing to the pay cut, Mixon remains part of the Bengals’ backfield while reducing the team’s cash outlay for the 26-year-old by $10 million. Although his performance declined in 2022, this move provides him with an opportunity to regain form and become the NFL Odds shattering player we know can be.

Was This Restructuring Expected?

Yes, this restructuring was anticipated. Throughout the offseason, the plan was to convert Mixon’s $12.8 million cap hit and $10 million cash payment into a more manageable figure aligned with the market value. However, uncertainty remained due to the Bengals’ historical reluctance to complete restructured contracts. While other teams frequently engage in such transactions, the Bengals have seldom reached agreements in the past. Many players have chosen to leave instead. Mixon’s decision to stay demonstrates the changing landscape in Cincinnati, both in terms of the team’s operations and players’ willingness to endure certain circumstances in pursuit of success.

Mixon’s agent, Peter Schaffer, released a statement to multiple outlets on Friday, expressing that Joe agreed to restructure his contract to pursue a Super Bowl victory.

Background Information

Mixon was drafted in the 2017 round by the Bengals in the second round. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the team.

In April, Mixon pleaded not guilty to a charge of aggravated menacing, which had been filed against him earlier that month, as documented in online court records for Hamilton County, Ohio. The charge stemmed from an alleged incident on January 21 in Cincinnati, during which Mixon was accused of pointing a gun at a woman and threatening to shoot her. In February, a judge in Hamilton County dismissed the charge at the request of the Cincinnati Prosecutor’s Office due to the need for further investigation. However, in April, Cincinnati police refiled a misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing against Mixon, citing new evidence.

Mixon had a previous legal issue in 2014 when he was a player on the University of Oklahoma football team. He faced a misdemeanor assault charge for punching a woman, resulting in a suspension for the 2014 season. Mixon entered a plea deal and received one year of probation.

Furthermore, Mixon served a one-game suspension in 2016 for violating team rules at Oklahoma after an altercation with a parking attendant. It was alleged that Mixon tore up a citation and threw it in the attendant’s face before intimidating the officer with his vehicle.

In conclusion, the restructured contract between the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Mixon ensures his presence in Cincinnati for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. This decision comes after Mixon’s legal issues and the need to navigate a changing running-back market. With a reduced cap hit and cash payment, Mixon remains a vital part of the Bengals’ backfield. As the team prepares for the season, NFL lines will undoubtedly come into play, creating anticipation among fans and bettors alike. The agreement allows Mixon to continue his pursuit of success on the field while offering an opportunity for the Bengals to strategize and capitalize on the odds and lines in their favor.