Last night on March 11, the Cincinnati Bengals leaked a report that they would be releasing long-time starting running back Joe Mixon. Before 12 p.m. Eastern time on March 12, however, those plans changed.
“Plot twist: The #Bengals are now trading Joe Mixon to the [Houston] Texans, rather than releasing him, sources say,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport informed. “So, Zack Moss signs in Cincy, Mixon is traded to Houston. From Joe Burrow to CJ Stroud.”
In a follow-up post, Rapoport added that “the #Texans have been in the RB market, but patiently waiting. Now, they land Mixon in a surprise trade.”
NFL Network colleague Tom Pelissero also detailed the financial impact, stating that “Joe Mixon is due $5.75 million in 2024 — including a $3,000,028 roster bonus due Sunday — in the last year of his contract.”
Pelissero called Houston a “great spot” for Mixon to land alongside Stroud and a rising Texans offense.
Bengals Do Right by Joe Mixon After All in Texans Trade
Cincinnati caught some shade for their “cold” treatment of Mixon on social media, cutting him after the initial wave of free agency that saw several running backs earn paydays around the league.
At the very least, this trade rectifies the harshness of the delayed decision to part ways with a fan favorite who gave you four 1,000-yard seasons on the ground — which included a 1,000-yard effort in 2023.
Is all forgiven? That remains to be seen. But at least Mixon maintains the salary he was expected to make, joining an AFC playoff contender in the process.
Bengals Agree to Terms With Tight End Mike Gesicki: Report
The Bengals were active on Tuesday morning, agreeing to terms with tight end Mike Gesicki on a one-year deal that could pay up to $3.25 million — per ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
Gesicki is a pass-catching TE at his core, and has been described as a bigger-bodied receiver rather than a dual threat known for his blocking and in-line ability. Along with Drew Sample, who was re-signed on March 11, the Cincy tight end room is beginning to take shape.
Remember, the remainder of the 2023 group (Irv Smith Jr., Tanner Hudson and Mitchell Wilcox) are all unrestricted free agents this offseason. Perhaps, one of the three will still return to round out the room as Sample did on Monday.
Either way, this move likely ends any talk of the Bengals trading up for Georgia prospect Brock Bowers in round one of the NFL draft.
Similar to Smith last year, Gesicki is another buy-low flyer for the Bengals at the position.
Gesicki spent the 2023 campaign with the New England Patriots, and he did not appear to fit into their offensive system as anticipated with just 29 receptions and 244 yards. Before that, he made a name for himself with the Miami Dolphins — who drafted him out of Penn State in 2018.
The height of Gesicki’s career with the Dolphins was from 2020 through 2021, registering back-to-back seasons with over 700 receiving yards. He turned 28 years old last October and has a career catch percentage of 62.7%.
Panthers Not Interested in Tee Higgins Trade at This Time: Report
There was also news on the Tee Higgins trade front on March 12.
NFL on CBS insider Jonathan Jones reported: “With [the] Carolina [Panthers] now in possession of picks 33 and 39, there had been some talk of packaging those in a trade for a player like WR Tee Higgins. A league source tells me no conversations have taken place between Carolina and Cincinnati, and a trade is not likely to happen.”
As Jones alluded, the Panthers had been considered a top potential suitor for Higgins, should he become available.
The star wideout requested a trade just before the start of the free agency negotiating period on March 11. Having said that, the WR market has been very slow to develop and there hasn’t been much public chatter on Higgins since then.
As for Carolina, Jones noted that “the Panthers know they need to build through the draft, especially without a first-round pick this year.” He added that his “source says it’s unlikely those picks would eventually be dealt for a veteran.”
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Bengals Trade RB Joe Mixon to AFC Powerhouse in ‘Plot Twist’: Report