Texans Release Two-Time Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon

Texans clear $8 million in cap space by parting ways with veteran running back.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Houston Texans have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, clearing $8 million in salary cap space. Mixon, 29, missed the entire 2025 season due to an undisclosed foot injury and was set to enter the final year of a three-year, $27 million contract. The Texans finished 12-5 without Mixon and are reportedly acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in a trade.

Why it matters

Mixon's release is a significant move for the Texans as they look to build on their recent playoff appearances. The team will save valuable cap space, which could be used to address other roster needs. The acquisition of Montgomery also signals the Texans' intent to revamp their backfield for the upcoming season.

The details

Mixon, who rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with the Texans in 2024, has compiled 7,428 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns in his 111-game career. However, his mysterious foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign led to the Texans' decision to part ways with the veteran running back.

  • Mixon was released by the Texans on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to an undisclosed foot injury.

The players

Joe Mixon

A two-time Pro Bowl running back who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Texans in 2024.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, who discussed Mixon's injury and future with the team during his end-of-season press conference.

Woody Marks

The rookie running back who led the Texans in rushing yards (703) during the 2025 season in Mixon's absence.

Nick Chubb

The veteran running back who added 506 rushing yards for the Texans in 2025.

David Montgomery

The running back the Texans are reportedly acquiring from the Detroit Lions in a trade.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't like he was riding a snowmobile or anything like that. It was more of a medical condition or situation that never ... really didn't improve maybe as much as everybody would have hoped. I'm not trying to evade the question. That's the reality of the situation. He didn't jump off a building. He wasn't cliff diving or anything. He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was just a freak thing.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans (austinnews.net)

“It was a very unique situation. I don't think anybody really had any clarity, honestly, from the start of the year until now. I'd say Joe worked very, very hard to try to get himself ready to play football. It just never manifested itself, came to fruition.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans (austinnews.net)

What’s next

The Texans are expected to officially introduce David Montgomery as their new running back in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Texans' decision to release Joe Mixon highlights the team's willingness to make tough roster decisions in order to build a contender. With the acquisition of David Montgomery, the Texans are signaling a new era in their backfield as they look to build on their recent playoff success.