Texans $25 million cut candidate could draw interest from Broncos, Cowboys, Chiefs

The Houston Texans and running back Joe Mixon appear to be headed towards a breakup this offseason.

Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, and his future in Houston is uncertain. As a result, The Athletic's Mike Jones lists the veteran running back as the top cut candidate for the Texans.

Jones adds that Houston would save around $8 million by moving on from Mixon.

"There’s a good deal of uncertainty hovering over Mixon, who missed all of last season with a foot injury that general manager Nick Caserio has classified as a “freak” injury. The Texans haven’t offered a lot of clarity on Mixon’s availability, although Caserio says that the 29-year-old is working hard to return. Given the uncertainty, it’s believed that Mixon, who would count roughly $8.5 million against the cap, would be a prime candidate to be released as a cost-saving measure."

During his last season in 2024, Mixon tallied 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 309 yards and a score through the air.

It's unknown whether Mixon will return as the same player, but either way, the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs should have interest in the 29-year-old.

Denver's running game was inefficient in 2025, and though RJ Harvey does have potential, he can't be the lead back for Sean Payton's squad.

If he gets cut, adding Mixon to the backfield would give the Broncos a savvy veteran who would serve as a nice complement to Harvey as a power back.

Dallas could lose Javonte Williams in free agency, and though Mixon would be a downgrade, the former Cincinnati Bengal would still be an eclectic fit in the Cowboys' offense as a bruiser.

Kansas City must upgrade its running game to take some pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he returns from knee surgery. Mixon could emerge as a target for the Chiefs, especially because he will be cheap to sign.

We'll see whether Mixon gets cut and plays elsewhere in 2026. If he does, Denver, Dallas, and Kansas City are logical landing spots for the former Pro Bowler.

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