A potentially loaded 2021 free agent class of running backs now has one less name in it as the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to an extension with Joe Mixon.
The extension puts to rest any speculation as to whether their star running back would hit free agency at the conclusion of the upcoming season. The deal, reportedly worth $48 million ensures that the 24-year-old will be tied to the team through the 2024 season.
The #Bengals are giving RB Joe Mixon a 4-year deal worth $48M, source said. A nice payday for their feature back, who is now under contract for 5 years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2020
Re-signing Mixon was of the utmost importance to the organization. With an abbreviated offseason program and no preseason games, the Bengals could ill afford a holdout and potential distraction. They are focused on preparing rookie quarterback Joe Burrow and his new teammates for this year’s campaign amidst the uncertainty and new protocols brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 44 games (35 starts) for the Bengals, Mixon has racked up 3,801 total yards from scrimmage to go with 21 trips to the endzone. Despite missing two games in 2018, he led the AFC in rushing with 1,168 yards, though he was inexplicably passed over for the Pro Bowl. Since the start of that season, Mixon is also the only running back in the NFL to tote the ball over 500 times without a single fumble.
Since his arrival as the 48th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Mixon has not only become a fan favorite, but also a vocal leader both on the field and in the locker room. It’s also a bit ironic that the former 48th got $48 million. However, it is also a steal for the Bengals, especially as the New Orlean Saints and Alvin Kamara try to work out an extension. Mixon’s new deal puts his average annual value sixth among running backs, behind guys like Le’Veon Bell and David Johnson.
Joe Mixon's deal with the #Bengals will put him at No. 6 among RBs in terms of average annual value:
1) Christian McCaffrey: $16M
2) Ezekiel Elliott: $15M
3) LeVeon Bell: $13.1M
4) David Johnson: $13M
5) Derrick Henry: $12.5M
–> Joe Mixon: $12M— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 1, 2020
Needless to say, keeping Mixon around long term at this price was an excellent decision by the Bengals.
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