A year ago, the Cincinnati Bengals were widely anticipated to release running back Joe Mixon. However, the Houston Texans made a surprising move by trading a seventh-round draft pick to acquire him before he could hit the open market. At the time, many observers questioned the rationale behind the Texans' decision. They wondered why the Texans would trade away any draft capital for a player who was on the verge of becoming a free agent, potentially obtainable without sacrificing a pick.
Texans General Manager Nick Caserio, however, had a different perspective. He saw inherent value in securing Mixon's talents before other teams could swoop in during free agency. This strategic foresight allowed the Texans to secure a key asset without the uncertainty and competition that often accompany free-agent signings.
Caserio discussed this decision during an appearance on PFT Live at the Scouting Combine. He emphasized the importance of certainty and the peace of mind that came with knowing they had Mixon locked in without the risk of other teams outbidding them. For Caserio, the seventh-round pick was a small price to pay for such assurance.
“Joe was a tremendous asset to our team,” Caserio explained. “It was an opportunity where we jumped the line a little bit before he got released. It was a unique situation, but we talked about it with the coaching staff: What are your thoughts, you feel good about it? And then we got on the phone.”
Caserio's approach reflects his broader philosophy on the running back position. While the NFL has seen a trend of devaluing running backs in recent years, with teams often reluctant to invest heavily in the position, Caserio holds a different view. He believes that a strong running back can have a significant positive impact on the entire offense, providing versatility and relieving pressure from other players.
“If you can give a guy the ball and he can get yards, that takes a lot of pressure off a lot of players,” Caserio said, highlighting the multifaceted benefits a capable running back like Mixon brings to the team.
Mixon’s cap hit of $9.5 million this season is indeed substantial by contemporary running back standards. However, Caserio remains confident that Mixon's contributions justify the investment. He sees Mixon as a player who can provide consistent production and elevate the Texans' offensive capabilities, making the financial commitment worthwhile.
