The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Joe Mixon agreed to a restructuring of his contract just before training camp starts this month.
It’s a move that frees up a little bit of cap space for the Bengals, presumably before they finalize a handful of extensions for the likes of Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Logan Wilson and DJ Reader, if not others.
The move also signaled an end to year-long speculation about Mixon’s future with the team. He’s been a core piece of the rebuild for years, so understandably, given that and the way it could impact extensions of others, Bengals fans had plenty to say on the topic.
The restructure of Joe Mixon’s contract is the first piece of Bengals news this summer. I expect the next two weeks to be very busy with several major contract extensions looming, including Joe Burrow.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) July 15, 2023
Joe Mixon needs just 1,070 rushing yards to take the number two spot in franchise history.
Let's get it.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) July 15, 2023
Credit to Joe Mixon he knows this is a good team and that money will go to another piece.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) July 15, 2023
After the Bengals changed their scheme in Week 5 of last season, Joe Mixon was the most efficient running back in football. He's an asset as a pass catcher, and Burrow trusts him as a route runner.
Mixon remains an important piece for the 2023 offense. https://t.co/BAkcSaY2Gj
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 14, 2023
A key question with the Joe Mixon news is what is he taking a pay cut for?
There aren't any starting tight ends on the free agent market. The rest of the roster is pretty much set, so there's no one to add left in free agency.
It's a step forward toward contract extensions.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 15, 2023
Joe Mixon was always going to either take a paycut or decide to take a walk.
He takes a paycut. He stays. #Bengals keep him in the mix with Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans, among others, chasing the ring.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 15, 2023
Joe Mixon is a team player restructuring the deal.
He wants to win.
He wants to be a Cincinnati Bengals player period end of story.
No more Mixon hate!! dudes ready for this season & just helped the team🔥
— Christineee (@christineee4646) July 15, 2023
joe mixon restructure setting up tee and joey b extension pic.twitter.com/QfN3zcQLPH
— CincinnaTee (@teehigginsiswr1) July 15, 2023
Love love love this.
— Bengals Backyard 🐅 (@BengalsBackyard) July 15, 2023
He saw the rb market and did not wanna get cut lol
— Danny Dimes🪙 To Hyatt🍊 (@BallsDeepInYm3) July 14, 2023
Cincy gonna be hard to beat
— Cam 🪄 | AI Mentor (@CodeCamCode) July 14, 2023
I wish more players had that kind of loyalty.
— Timothy Mackenzie (@TimmyMack69) July 15, 2023
He peeped the RB market and figured he would settle. Good business move.
Let’s win a Super Bowl. https://t.co/nR1VR8kMnN
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) July 14, 2023
We all knew this was coming
Likely not a true restructure (as that would just add potential dead money in 2024), but rather a simple paycut (with all or part of the reduced amount able to be earned back via NLTBE-incentives)
This move helps clear room fo > 1 extension, as well https://t.co/oMLNLdlHoQ
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) July 14, 2023
This is great news here! https://t.co/V8dNQcDVg2
— Bengal Jim’s BTR (@bengaljims_BTR) July 15, 2023
Salute Jodien. This is a sign of the love these players have for each other https://t.co/aUvYu7bT8V
— Honcho De La Cruz (@Honcho_WhoDey) July 15, 2023
I always want to see the players get theirs but this was the best move for both sides https://t.co/hYZloBtg2M
— CPGM Juice 🏈 (@cpgm_juice) July 15, 2023
