Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

Once June comes in the NFL, some teams will cut ties with veteran players in an attempt to remove the player from the roster while also spreading their dead money over multiple seasons instead of just one.

 

 

Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

 

 

This year, the Kansas City Chiefs might be able to add a talented veteran as a result of one of those releases. In 2023, a Pro Bowler by the name of Joe Mixon, who is the running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, could be one of the veterans that are released with a post-June 1 designation.

David Latham of Last Word on Sports detailed the reasoning behind the potential decision to cut ties with Mixon, who has two years remaining on his four-year, $48 million extension that he signed in 2020.

 

 

“Honestly, it’s a little surprising that Joe Mixon is still a member of the Cincinnati Bengals,” Latham wrote on May 25.

 

 

Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

 

 

“The 27-year-old running back carries a $12.8 million cap hit, started to show signs of slowing down last year, and is staring down some legal troubles. Perhaps the Bengals are hoping that the running back market starts heating up, but that doesn’t seem particularly likely.

 

 

The Bengals can save $10.04 million in cap space but cutting him or finding a trade partner after June 1st, and this feels like a no-brainer for the organization.” Latham also named three potential landing spots for Mixon if he’s released: Buffalo Bills, Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys.

Is Joe Mixon an Option for Chiefs?

Kansas City’s current backfield includes Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La’Mical Perine, and undrafted rookie Deneric Prince.

Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

Pacheco is the only player from that bunch that has shown the capability to own a large part of the early-down work for the Chiefs throughout an NFL season, be effective in that role, and most importantly — stay healthy enough to fill that role.

But even Pacheco wasn’t able to do that his rookie season without dealing with some substantial injuries that he opted to play through.

Placing Mixon in a backfield like Kansas City’s, where he could split touches with Pacheco on early downs while also being a factor in the receiving game, would be great for him.

Chiefs Linked to Bengals Pro Bowler That Could Be Cut Post-June 1

Mixon’s role in Kansas City would be much smaller than it was in Cincinnati, where he averaged 15 total touches per game during the 2022 regular season. While that might hurt his chances of getting a lucrative contract in free agency whether it’s this year or in years to come, a lighter workload could potentially extend Mixon’s NFL career.