The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into training camp this year poised once again to be a contender in the AFC. After making the AFC Championship Game for two straight years, going 1-1 but losing in their Super Bowl appearance, they are looking to get over the hump this season.
They are certainly a viable contender for the Lombardi Trophy as they have an offense that can keep up with anyone in the NFL. Quarterback Joe Burrow has an embarrassment of weapons around him, led by arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
While the Bengals are prolific through the air, their ground game leaves a lot to be desired. Joe Mixon has led the backfield for the last few years but his inefficiency has put a lot of pressure on Burrow and the passing offense.
His lack of explosiveness leaves a lot to be desired as teams can comfortably drop players back into coverage knowing Mixon won’t beat them for long plays. Could the Bengals look to move on from Mixon this offseason? In the opinion of a former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network, there is certainly a chance it happens during training camp.
“I think Joe Mixon could be an intriguing camp cut. The trade rumors were very real and Cincinnati was more than open to moving off of him. I would not be shocked if the Bengals cut him before the season.”
The only thing that is likely keeping Mixon on the roster is the lack of experienced options behind him. Trayveon Williams, Chase Brown and Chris Evans are the running backs behind Mixon on the depth chart and they have very little NFL experience between them.
Moving on from Mixon would save the Bengals more than $10 million on the salary cap. That would be more than enough money to bring in another veteran to lead the backfield. Plenty are available in free agency, as Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette are all looking for their next opportunity.
Given their championship aspirations, the Bengals would also be a team to keep an eye out for on the trade market. Players such as Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler have both been mentioned in trade rumors and would be major boosts to the Cincinnati offense.
