This important day could determine Joe Mixon’s future with the Bengals.
With an $8.85 million cap cost, Mixon’s contract is once again worth examining after he took a pay cut to remain with the organization during the previous offseason.
The date to be aware of is March 17. At that point, Mixon’s $3 million roster bonus becomes official.That date should be taken into consideration because the Bengals would save $6.1 million and incur a $2.75 million cap hit if they decided to cut Mixon.
It’s difficult to move on from Mixon, though. After finishing the season with 1,034 yards on a 4.0 average (minus 111 yards and a touchdown in a pointless Week 18 contest), he hardly ever fumbles.
However, the Bengals stated last year that they intended to become more explosive but ultimately chose not to in terms of performance vs. salary. Joe Burrow made the same statement regarding the role during his annual press conference this year.
In contrast to a rookie or free agent they could sign to play with Chase Brown, Mixon isn’t that good. However, there’s also an emotional component to this, since Mixon is the leader of the locker room and a holdover from the gloomy rebuilding days.
Mixon, for his part, has responded angrily to those who believe he’s about to leave. And he might be correct, particularly if the team approaches him about reworking the contract once more (remember, there’s always a chance of an extension that reduces the immediate cap).
But you should be aware of that March 17th date. The team’s strategy may change significantly if they see market rates and/or locate a player they want. Free agency begins on March 13.
With an $8.85 million cap cost, Mixon’s contract is once again worth examining after he took a pay cut to remain with the organization during the previous offseason.
The date to be aware of is March 17. At that point, Mixon’s $3 million roster bonus becomes official.That date should be taken into consideration because the Bengals would save $6.1 million and incur a $2.75 million cap hit if they decided to cut Mixon.
It’s difficult to move on from Mixon, though. His season ended with 1,034 yards and a 4.0 average.
However, the Bengals stated last year that they intended to become more explosive but ultimately chose not to in terms of performance vs. salary. Joe Burrow made the same statement regarding the role during his annual press conference this year.
In contrast to a rookie or free agent they could sign to play with Chase Brown, Mixon isn’t that good. However, there’s also an emotional component to this, since Mixon is the leader of the locker room and a holdover from the gloomy rebuilding days.
For his part, Mixon has clapped back at people who think he’s on his way out the door. And he could be right, especially if the team approaches him about another contract rewriting (keep in mind there could always be an extension that lowers the immediate cap hit, potentially).
But that March 17 date is one to know. Free agency starts March 13, so if the team sees the market rates and/or finds a player they like, it could weigh heavily on their approach
