3 Years After Signing $48,000,000 Extension, Joe Mixon Takes a Significant Paycut to Keep Playing for the Bengals

Joe Mixon, the Cincinnati Bengals running back, has taken a bold step in terms of his salary and future with the team. Despite recent uncertainties surrounding his status and some questionable off-field incidents, Mixon and the Bengals have reached an agreement to restructure his lucrative four-year, $48,000,000 contract which he had signed three years ago.

The contract restructuring doesn’t solely revolve around Mixon’s performances, as the Cincinnati Bengals are actively working on securing deals with their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The team is making strategic moves to ensure a strong roster for the upcoming seasons. With Mixon’s contract restructured, the Bengals can focus on building a formidable offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow.

How Much PayCut is Joe Mixon Taking?

In a move to secure his future with the Bengals, Joe Mixon has agreed to a substantial pay cut. As per ProFootballTalk, Mixon was initially set to receive a salary of $9.4 million with a cap hit of $12 million. However, now the Bengals have restructured his contract. The new contract has reduced his base salary to just under $6 million. The new deal also includes incentives that could allow him to earn up to $8 million. Apparently, Mixon was set to pocket at least $10.1 million in the upcoming season.

The running back market has been facing significant challenges. RB contracts have been stagnating over the past decade. While contracts for other positions have seen substantial increases, running back deals have risen by only 12.68% in the past 12 years. The wear and tear on running backs’ bodies, the availability of replacement-level players at a cheaper price, and the NFL’s shift towards a pass-heavy game have all contributed to the declining value of running backs in the market.

Mixon’s contract restructuring has certainly allowed the Bengals to free up cash and cap space. This keeps Mixon as their RB1. Time will have its say but it remains to be seen how this trend will continue to impact the future of running backs in the NFL.

Saquon Barkley and Other Star Running Backs Face Uncertain Futures Amid Contract Uncertainty

The running back position in the NFL is facing an uncertain landscape when it comes to lucrative contract extensions. Saquon Barkley, running back for the New York Giants, is one such player who has yet to secure a long-term deal. The Giants have placed the franchise tag on Barkley. However, contract negotiations have not reached a resolution.

This offseason has been a clear example of running backs not receiving the financial rewards their performances deserve. Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings, who finished eighth in total scrimmage yards in 2022, is now a free agent. He is expected to join the Miami Dolphins. Despite their impressive contributions to their respective teams, Barkley, Jacobs, and Cook find themselves in uncertain situations.

Even the highest-paid free agent running back this offseason, Miles Sanders, signed a deal that ranks ninth in his position. As the league evolves and places greater emphasis on passing offenses, running backs are finding it challenging to secure the lucrative contracts they desire.