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Even without a team heading into training camp, former Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon continues to receive plenty of respect around the league. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently released his annual rankings of the NFL's top running backs, which are based on votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts. While Mixon did not crack the top 10, he was listed as an honorable mention, showing that many around the league still view him as one of football's better backs despite an uncertain future.
Fowler explained why Mixon remained in the conversation despite being a free agent, "Mixon's 2024 debut season with the Texans was one of the best of his career. However, he missed all of 2025 with a foot injury and was released by Houston this March. He's still unsigned as of July 17, as rookies begin to arrive to some training camps."
Mixon's lone season in Houston gave Texans fans plenty to appreciate. After arriving in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, he immediately became the centerpiece of Houston's rushing attack and delivered one of the most productive years of his career. He provided consistency between the tackles, created explosive plays when opportunities presented themselves, and gave the offense a dependable veteran presence alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.
His production helped balance the Texans' offense throughout the 2024 campaign and reinforced why Houston made the move to acquire him in the first place. When healthy, Mixon continued to show the vision, contact balance, and physical running style that made him one of the NFL's most reliable backs for nearly a decade.
Unfortunately, injuries changed the trajectory of his time with the Texans. A foot injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, preventing him from building on an impressive debut year. Houston ultimately moved in a different direction this offseason, releasing the veteran as the organization reshaped its backfield.
Despite that setback, the respect Mixon has earned throughout his career has clearly not disappeared. Landing just outside ESPN's top 10 rankings is a reflection of how league decision-makers still evaluate his body of work and what they believe he can provide if healthy.
As training camps begin around the league, Mixon remains one of the most accomplished veterans available. Teams looking for an experienced, productive running back will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his recovery and availability. His next opportunity may simply come down to finding the right fit, but the latest rankings make one thing clear: many around the NFL still believe Joe Mixon has something left to offer.
Continue reading...
Fowler explained why Mixon remained in the conversation despite being a free agent, "Mixon's 2024 debut season with the Texans was one of the best of his career. However, he missed all of 2025 with a foot injury and was released by Houston this March. He's still unsigned as of July 17, as rookies begin to arrive to some training camps."
Mixon's lone season in Houston gave Texans fans plenty to appreciate. After arriving in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, he immediately became the centerpiece of Houston's rushing attack and delivered one of the most productive years of his career. He provided consistency between the tackles, created explosive plays when opportunities presented themselves, and gave the offense a dependable veteran presence alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.
His production helped balance the Texans' offense throughout the 2024 campaign and reinforced why Houston made the move to acquire him in the first place. When healthy, Mixon continued to show the vision, contact balance, and physical running style that made him one of the NFL's most reliable backs for nearly a decade.
Unfortunately, injuries changed the trajectory of his time with the Texans. A foot injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, preventing him from building on an impressive debut year. Houston ultimately moved in a different direction this offseason, releasing the veteran as the organization reshaped its backfield.
Despite that setback, the respect Mixon has earned throughout his career has clearly not disappeared. Landing just outside ESPN's top 10 rankings is a reflection of how league decision-makers still evaluate his body of work and what they believe he can provide if healthy.
As training camps begin around the league, Mixon remains one of the most accomplished veterans available. Teams looking for an experienced, productive running back will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his recovery and availability. His next opportunity may simply come down to finding the right fit, but the latest rankings make one thing clear: many around the NFL still believe Joe Mixon has something left to offer.
Continue reading...
