One of the most productive NFL players in recent memory is now on the free-agent market after losing his 2025 season to injury.
The Houston Texans released running back Joe Mixon on Friday after he missed all of last season with what general manager Nick Caserio called a ‘freak’ foot injury. Details about the issue remain unclear, but Yahoo! Sports previously described it as a ‘condition’ rather than a specific injury.
Mixon had one year remaining on a three-year, $27 million contract extension he signed after joining the Texans following seven years with the Bengals. By cutting Mixon, the Texans save $8 million in cap space.
The move comes after the Texans traded for Detroit running back David Montgomery on Monday.
The Texans provided few details on the 29-year-old Mixon´s recovery throughout last season after announcing in training camp that he sustained a foot injury away from the facility in the offseason.
The Texans reached the divisional round of the playoffs for a third straight season, but their offense took a major hit with Mixon out. His ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with the team in 2024.
The Houston Texans released running back Joe Mixon on Friday after he missed all of last season with what general manager Nick Caserio called a ‘freak’ foot injury
With Mixon out, the Texans relied on rookie Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Marks, a fourth-round pick, led the team with 703 yards rushing and Chubb added 506 yards. The Texans struggled to run the ball in their loss to New England in the playoffs, managing only 48 yards rushing.
Mixon now joins an increasingly crowded free-agent market.
Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray won’t officially be free until they’re released by their teams next week but they’ll be two of the most accomplished QBs on the market.
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers hasn’t declared his intentions to play another season. If he wants to play, he’ll generate interest after helping the Steelers win the AFC North.
If the Dolphins cut Tua Tagovailoa, he’d be an interesting option, especially for the veteran’s minimum.
Kirk Cousins is expected to hit the free-agent market this week after his stint in Atlanta
Malik Willis could end up with a lucrative deal from a team that considers him a possible long-term option.
Russell Wilson will be seeking his fourth team in four years. The Colts placed a transition tag on Daniel Jones so he’s not as ‘free’ to go elsewhere because Indianapolis can match any offer he gets.
Mike Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl pick, is exploring free agency for the first time and there’s a real possibility he could play his 13th season for a new team. He’s looking for a championship contender with an established quarterback and would be an ideal fit for several teams, including the 49ers, Patriots and Chargers.
D.J. Moore is heading to Buffalo in a trade. Other teams would have to trade a premium to get A.J. Brown from the Eagles.
Alec Pierce led the league in yards per reception over the last two seasons with the Colts and he’s only turning 26 in May so he’s going to be hotly pursued.
Five-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill is coming off a serious knee injury. Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Christian Kirk and Wan’dale Robinson are among the top available receivers.
Kyler Murray recently apologized to Cardinals fans for his failure to succeed in Arizona
Kenneth Walker III had 135 yards rushing in Seattle’s 29-13 Super Bowl victory over New England last month.
He’s expected to get the biggest deal among running backs and was recently linked to the Kansas City Chiefs by Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer.
Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle and Tyler Allgeier also will be free agents. The group of runners also includes Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, Brian Robinson and Najee Harris.
Walker could be a fit in Carolina, Arizona, Denver, Washington and Minnesota.
The NFL increased the salary cap to $301.2 million last week, up $22 million from 2025.
The Chargers currently have the most room under the cap at $99.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. The Titans are next at $89.3 million followed by the Raiders ($84.7 million), Commanders ($83.3 million) and Jets ($73.8 million).
The Seahawks have $60.7 million available.
