Texans release Mixon

The Houston Texans released running back Joe Mixon with a non-football injury designation Friday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The two-time Pro Bowler asked for his release Thursday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Texans save $8 million in cap space but retain $2 million in dead money as a result of the move, according to Over the Cap.

Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury sustained away from the team's facility. Houston general manager Nick Caserio said in January that Mixon's status for the 2026 campaign remained uncertain because of the "freak" injury.

"We haven't seen Joe in a little bit, so I think at some point we'll see him and then we'll be able to evaluate kind of where he is, and then based on information, we'll see where his status is," Caserio said.

Mixon provided a massive boost to the Texans' backfield in 2024 after being acquired in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals the offseason prior. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry while rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also brought in 36 receptions for 309 receiving yards.

Houston has sought insurance at the position over the past couple of seasons. The team signed Nick Chubb as a free agent last summer, pairing him with then-rookie Woody Marks. The Texans are now also poised to lean on David Montgomery after acquiring the bruising halfback from the Detroit Lions on Monday.

Mixon, 29, rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of his eight NFL campaigns. The Oklahoma product has accounted for 7,428 rushing yards and 74 total touchdowns in his career.