The Cincinnati Bengals have “the package” secured, as they’ve locked down one of the faces of their franchise for the next five seasons. Joe Mixon, one of Cincy’s more talented offensive weapons and one of the most underrated running backs in the league, has signed a four-year, $48 million deal that will keep him under contract with the Bengals for the next five seasons. The former second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft was entering the final year of his rookie deal, but he can now breathe a sigh of fresh air just nine days away from the start of the 2020 NFL season.
Mixon’s extension will put him at the No. 6 spot among current running backs in terms of average money earned per year – directly behind Derrick Henry’s $12.5 million. In terms of the total value, his reported $48 million comes in at No. 5 overall. Over the last three seasons, Mixon has rushed for 2,931 yards and 17 touchdowns while also recording 108 receptions for 870 yards and four more scores. Only three running backs have rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the last two seasons: Mixon, Ezekiel Elliott, and Chris Carson.
Last season was no slouch year for the now veteran back, as Mixon finished with 1,137 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He also added a few receptions in the passing game by hauling in 35 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. With Joe Burrow as Cincy’s bright new spotlight and a finally healthy A.J. Green suiting up, the Bengals near future now rests with these three offensive studs.
There was concern a few weeks ago of Mixon holding out of camp to discuss contract negotiations, but news followed stating that he was missing practices due to migraines. He’s currently fully healthy and should be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 13.
