Seattle Seahawks Sign Veteran Joe Mixon to Bolster Depleted Running Back Corps

The Seattle Seahawks have moved to address their rapidly thinning running back stable, reportedly signing veteran Joe Mixon on Monday. The 30-year-old reportedly joined the team following a private workout in the Pacific Northwest.

The move comes as Seattle navigates a challenging situation in its backfield, despite securing a 30-23 victory over the Chargers in Week 4, advancing their record to 3-1. The team's running back depth has been significantly impacted by the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency and the recent placement of first-round rookie Jadarian Price on injured reserve.

Mixon's Path to Seattle

Mixon spent the entirety of the 2025 season sidelined, recuperating from a severe foot injury. This injury occurred shortly after a successful 2024 campaign with the Houston Texans, where he achieved a 1,000-yard rushing season and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Given his recent injury and age, Mixon is expected to begin his tenure on the practice squad, allowing him time to regain full fitness before potentially seeing immediate playing time.

Securing a spot in the modern NFL can be difficult for a veteran runner returning from a year-long absence. Mixon's journey is further complicated by a history of notable off-field incidents that have garnered headlines since his collegiate days.

A History of Off-Field Incidents

In 2014, while playing for Oklahoma, video evidence showed Mixon striking fellow student Amelia Molitor, resulting in four broken bones in her face. The university suspended him for the season. He subsequently entered an Alford plea, meaning he did not admit guilt but acknowledged that the prosecution had enough evidence to convict him, and was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. Reports indicated that several NFL teams removed Mixon from their draft considerations before the Bengals ultimately selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

His legal challenges continued into his professional career.

In 2023, Mixon faced a misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing stemming from a road-rage incident in Cincinnati. However, a judge found him not guilty during the trial.

Separately, in March 2023, an incident near Mixon’s residence involved a teenager who was shot during a Nerf game by Mixon’s sister's boyfriend. While authorities did not charge Mixon in connection with the shooting, the victim's family pursued legal action against both him and the alleged shooter. That lawsuit was resolved in 2025.

On-Field Performance and Expectations

Despite his off-field challenges, Mixon has consistently demonstrated his capabilities on the field.

• During his seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, he was a key offensive contributor.
• In 2018, he secured the AFC rushing title with 1,168 yards.
• He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021, a season that saw him play a crucial role in the Bengals' journey to Super Bowl LVI, where he even threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins.

Mixon proved his continued effectiveness in 2024 with the Houston Texans, where he amassed 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns across 14 games, earning his second career Pro Bowl nod.

After missing the entire 2025 season, Mixon now receives another opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks. The organization is banking on the veteran running back to provide much-needed experience and physical presence to a backfield that has been significantly impacted by recent personnel changes and injuries.