Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Aaron Jones Sr.

Tuesday, February 24, 5:18 PM

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander writes that "all signs point to a potential break between" running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) and the Houston Texans this offseason. Mixon ran for over 1,000 yards and had 11 touchdowns in 2024, but he didn't play at all in 2025 due to a freak ankle/foot injury last offseason. There are no injury updates on the 29-year-old this offseason after he had surgery, and general manager Nick Caserio said that Mixon's future with the club is "day-to-day." The Texans originally were hoping that Mixon would return last year, but he never did, and he sought treatment outside of the team's facilities. Mixon is entering the final year of a three-year deal he signed back in 2024, but the final year of the deal isn't guaranteed. The Texans, who are currently $4.9 million over the salary cap, could save $8.5 million in cap space by cutting him. Regardless of where Mixon is playing in 2026, his fantasy stock will be way down, and it's not even a guarantee he'll be ready for Week 1.

Friday, February 6, 10:42 AM

In his first season with the team in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. recorded over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and played 17 games, earning himself a second contract. However, Jones Sr. struggled through injuries and a production decline in 2025, logging just 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 160 touches across 12 games played. Even when Jones Sr. was healthy, Minnesota split backfield work between him and Jordan Mason, limiting the production upside for both players. If Jones Sr. is back with the Vikings in 2026, he figures to work in a timeshare with Mason once again. Minnesota could also save $8 million against the cap by releasing Jones Sr., so the veteran running back may find himself in a new home come September. Regardless of where Jones Sr. is playing in 2026, his days as a true lead back for an NFL team may be coming to an end as he hits his age-32 season.