Joe Mixon hasn’t played a snap since 2024, but he may have just sent a message loud and clear: he’s not done yet.
On Tuesday, the veteran running back posted a cryptic Instagram story that read, “All ‘26, Vengeance.” It’s only a few words, but they carry some weight - especially for a player whose future in Houston has been anything but certain. If Mixon’s post is any indication, he’s eyeing a comeback with something to prove.
Where Things Stand with the Texans
The Texans haven’t offered much clarity when it comes to Mixon’s status. At last week’s end-of-season press conference, general manager Nick Caserio was noncommittal when asked if Mixon would be back in 2026.
“It’s honestly hard to answer that right now because we haven’t seen him in a little bit,” Caserio said. “At some point we’ll see him, get a better idea, maybe do some follow-up examinations and get more information.”
That uncertainty was echoed by head coach DeMeco Ryans just days earlier, who said he didn’t know whether Mixon would return to the roster next season.
So, with the front office staying vague and Mixon staying quiet - until now - his social media post has sparked speculation. Is this a player gearing up for a redemption tour?
Or is it a farewell message wrapped in ambiguity? For now, it feels more like the former.
A Look Back at Mixon’s 2024 Season
If Mixon is indeed plotting a return, it would be a welcome development for a Texans offense that missed his production in a big way this past season.
Back in 2024, Mixon was a key piece of Houston’s offensive puzzle. He racked up 1,016 rushing yards on a 4.1-yard average and punched in 11 touchdowns - the second-highest single-season total of his career. He also chipped in as a receiver, catching 36 passes for 309 yards and another score.
With Mixon leading the way, the Texans finished 15th in the league in rushing yards per game (112.3) and 18th in total rushing touchdowns (15). Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they marked a significant step forward from 2023, when Houston ranked 23rd in yards per game (96.9) and 25th in rushing scores (10). In other words, Mixon helped lift a bottom-tier rushing attack into the middle of the pack - and that was no small feat.
The 2025 Void
Then came 2025. A foot injury - the details of which remain murky - sidelined Mixon for the entire season. That left the Texans scrambling to fill the void, turning to rookie Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb to carry the load.
The results? Underwhelming at best.
Houston’s run game regressed, dropping to 22nd in yards per game (108.9) and plummeting to 31st in rushing touchdowns with just nine all season. The absence of Mixon’s burst, vision, and versatility was glaring, especially in the red zone where the Texans struggled to finish drives.
Simply put, the offense wasn’t the same without him. Mixon’s ability to grind out tough yards, keep the chains moving, and provide a safety valve in the passing game had been a stabilizing force. Without that, Houston’s ground game lacked identity - and it showed.
The Cap Question
Of course, there’s a business side to all of this. As much as Mixon may want a return - and as much as the Texans could use his services - money always matters.
If Houston decides to move on from Mixon ahead of the 2026 season, they’d save roughly $8 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. That’s a significant chunk of flexibility, especially for a team still trying to build around a young core.
But cutting ties with Mixon would also mean going back to the drawing board at running back. Marks showed flashes as a rookie, but asking him to carry the full load without a proven partner would be a gamble. And while Chubb brought experience, his best years may be behind him.
What’s Next?
The Texans don’t need to make a decision right away. Free agency doesn’t officially open until March 11, and the NFL Draft is still months away. There’s time to evaluate Mixon’s health, assess the market, and weigh the value of keeping a veteran back who, when healthy, has proven he can still produce at a high level.
But if Mixon’s Instagram post is any indication, he’s already made up his mind. He’s coming back. And he’s coming back with purpose.
“All ‘26, Vengeance.” That’s not just a slogan - that’s a statement. And if Joe Mixon can back it up, the Texans’ offense might just find its missing piece again.