Chiefs, Steelers, Broncos Reportedly Eyeing $25M 2-Time Pro Bowl RB

The three teams are expected to compete for the services of free agent running back Joe Mixon.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos are all reportedly interested in signing free agent running back Joe Mixon, who was released by the Houston Texans last week. Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, sat out the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury but could be a difference-maker for a contender in 2026. The three teams all have pressing needs at the running back position and are expected to engage in a bidding war for Mixon's services once the tampering period begins on Monday.

Why it matters

The addition of Mixon could significantly bolster the running games of the Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos, all of whom are looking to improve their offensive production in 2026. The bidding war for Mixon's services highlights the high value placed on elite running backs in the NFL and the importance of having a strong ground game to complement a team's passing attack.

The details

Mixon, 29, was released by the Texans last week after missing the entire 2025 season with a foot injury. Prior to that, he had been a consistent performer, earning two Pro Bowl selections and rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2024. The Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos are all in need of a workhorse running back, with the Chiefs and Steelers facing the potential loss of their 2025 starters in free agency.

  • Mixon was released by the Houston Texans last week.
  • The NFL's tampering period begins on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Joe Mixon

A 29-year-old free agent running back who was released by the Houston Texans last week after missing the 2025 season due to a foot injury. Mixon is a two-time Pro Bowl selection who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024.

Kansas City Chiefs

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Mixon to bolster their running game, which has relied on a committee approach in recent years.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Mixon, as they look to replace the potential free agency departure of running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Denver Broncos

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Mixon to pair with running back RJ Harvey and improve their rushing attack under new head coach Sean Payton.

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What they’re saying

“The Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos are monitoring running back Joe Mixon's market.”

— Jason La Canfora, SportsBoom reporter (SportsBoom)

What’s next

The bidding war for Mixon's services is expected to intensify once the NFL's tampering period begins on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The competition for Mixon's services among the Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos highlights the high value placed on elite running backs in the NFL and the importance of having a strong ground game to complement a team's passing attack. Whichever team is able to sign Mixon could gain a significant advantage in their quest to improve their offensive production and make a playoff push in 2026.