Bengals star Joe Mixon is being traded to the Houston Texans on a one-year, $6m deal after Cincinnati planned to release their long-time star running back

The Houston Texans will acquire running Back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals, adding an experienced player to its offense to surround quarterback CJ Stroud. 

Mixon had played his entire professional career with the Bengals, after being selected by the team in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. 

The Bengals agreed to terms with former Colts running back Zack Moss on Monday, creating an overcrowded running-back room in Cincinnati. 

Mixon going to a different AFC team opens up playing time for both. 

The Bengals had planned to release Mixon following Moss' signing, but instead will receive something for their former running back. Trade terms were not immediately disclosed.  

Mixon was dealt to the Texans on Tuesday after Cincinnati originally planned to release him

Mixon had played for the Bengals for his entire professional career since being drafted in 2017

Last season was Mixon's first where he played in and started each game of an NFL season. 

Mixon's best season in the NFL came in 2021, when he rushed for 1,205 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

After a down 2022 where Mixon had 814 rushing yards, he rebounded last year for 1,034 yards. 

The Texans lost Devin Singletary to the Giants in free agency, creating a spot for another running back. 

Houston won the AFC South last season and advanced to the AFC Divisional Round before losing to Baltimore.