For now, it would appear things are proceeding as normal between the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Joe Mixon.
Mixon reported to voluntary offseason activities this week and little has been publicly said about his future with the team.
But while outlining the position for the Bengals before the draft, The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. noted that the expectations about a paycut-or-go scenario remains: “His next steps involve the conclusion of the aggravated menacing case refiled against him by the Cincinnati Police Department and negotiation of a pay cut the team is expected to ask him to either accept or be let go.”
This has been the projectable outcome since before last season ended because Mixon continued to not see the field in key situations due to limitations as a pass-blocker. Combined with his $12.8 million cap hit next year at a critical time for the franchise, it was easy to see coming.
Still, the team losing Samaje Perine in free agency — much to their surprise — muddied the outlook. They like Trayveon Williams, but this request or negotiation about a change in pay wasn’t going to happen before the draft.
Barring something unexpected, this conversation will still happen, as will something with Mixon’s status on the team. It’s safe to project at least one rookie joining the fray beforehand, though.
