Texans Predicted to Cut $25.5M Pro Bowler After Disappointing 2025 Season

Houston could move on from veteran RB Joe Mixon due to age, injury, and salary concerns

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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According to a new report, the Houston Texans are expected to release veteran running back Joe Mixon this offseason. Mixon, a Pro Bowler in 2024, missed the entire 2025 season with a mysterious foot injury and is set to make $8 million in 2026 on a non-guaranteed contract. The Texans struggled to generate consistent production on the ground without Mixon, ranking 29th in yards per carry, and may look to upgrade the position rather than rely on his potential bounce-back.

Why it matters

Mixon's potential release highlights the Texans' efforts to reshape their roster after a disappointing 2025 season. Cutting the $25.5 million veteran would free up valuable cap space as the team looks to address other needs. The move also raises questions about Mixon's future, with a potential reunion with former Texans coordinator Bobby Slowik in Miami seen as a possibility.

The details

In his 2024 Pro Bowl campaign, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Texans. However, the combination of his age (29), the mysterious foot injury that cost him the 2025 season, and his $8 million non-guaranteed salary in 2026 have made his future with the team increasingly tenuous. The Texans turned to a committee approach of rookie Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb in Mixon's absence, but the modest production from both backs underscores the team's need to explore upgrades at the position.

  • Mixon missed the entire 2025 NFL season with a mysterious non-football foot injury.
  • Mixon is due to make a non-guaranteed $8 million in 2026.

The players

Joe Mixon

A 29-year-old running back who made the Pro Bowl with the Texans in 2024 but missed the 2025 season with a foot injury.

Woody Marks

A rookie running back who handled the bulk of the early down work for the Texans in 2025 after Mixon's injury.

Nick Chubb

A veteran running back who provided rotational support for the Texans in 2025 after returning from his own injury.

Bobby Slowik

The former offensive coordinator for the Texans who is now with the Miami Dolphins, potentially creating a landing spot for Mixon.

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What they’re saying

“Mixon, 29, missed all of 2025 with a mysterious non-football foot injury, and he's due to make a non-guaranteed $8 million in 2026, so it's easy to see Houston moving on here.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Reporter (FOX Sports)

“Mixon made the Pro Bowl with the Texans in 2024, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, but his age and injury uncertainty will make for a limited market for him.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Reporter (FOX Sports)

“Could he follow Bobby Slowik to the Dolphins for depth and a healthy reset there?”

— Greg Auman, NFL Reporter (FOX Sports)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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