03-25-2022, 10:20 AM
I've been wanting the Bengals to bring in a #2 back all off season instead of drafting one if at all possible. Perine is past the the point of showing me that he can be that guy. And Evans hasn't shown nearly enough to be that guy either.
Here's a couple of things on Mixon though on why I think we need a capable backup. In my opinion, it isn't just about his usage for wear and tear as he just had his career year in five seasons. I think they can still get his level of production at least for one more season and probably two, especially with a better line. But based on his contract, he arguably can be released after 2023 season, where there will be a $2.75 mil dead cap hit for the 2024 season, his last year on contract. I can not see the Bengals giving him a new contract either, nor probably should. They need to be thinking about replacing him as early as the 2024 season depending on how things go as he will have $13.1 cap hit but $2.75 dead cap as noted above.
This can most likely mean drafting the future starter in the 2023 draft or at the latest 2024 draft, because Burrow will be getting a new contract along with Chase at some point around there. Having a capable backup in place to me is just being smart preparing for the future with a rookie. But also equally smart just in case Mixon gets nicked up and might have to miss some time.
Please note this not an anti-Mixon post by any means. It's about preparing for the near future when Mixon has 3 more seasons left on his contract, with a very team friendly contract in place if the Bengals choose to release him with a season to go. I like Mixon and all, but these next two to three seasons can arguably be the end of his 'prime' playing days as the shelf life of RBs at a high level are probably the shortest of any position.
Here's a couple of things on Mixon though on why I think we need a capable backup. In my opinion, it isn't just about his usage for wear and tear as he just had his career year in five seasons. I think they can still get his level of production at least for one more season and probably two, especially with a better line. But based on his contract, he arguably can be released after 2023 season, where there will be a $2.75 mil dead cap hit for the 2024 season, his last year on contract. I can not see the Bengals giving him a new contract either, nor probably should. They need to be thinking about replacing him as early as the 2024 season depending on how things go as he will have $13.1 cap hit but $2.75 dead cap as noted above.
This can most likely mean drafting the future starter in the 2023 draft or at the latest 2024 draft, because Burrow will be getting a new contract along with Chase at some point around there. Having a capable backup in place to me is just being smart preparing for the future with a rookie. But also equally smart just in case Mixon gets nicked up and might have to miss some time.
Please note this not an anti-Mixon post by any means. It's about preparing for the near future when Mixon has 3 more seasons left on his contract, with a very team friendly contract in place if the Bengals choose to release him with a season to go. I like Mixon and all, but these next two to three seasons can arguably be the end of his 'prime' playing days as the shelf life of RBs at a high level are probably the shortest of any position.
“Don't give up. Don't ever give up.” - Jimmy V
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