Why didn't the Bengals add a proven RB in the offseason

[George Cantstandya]

(08-27-2023, 07:26 PM)TheFan Wrote: I found it! Well, what they were referencing in the podcasts and what it actually meant aren't totally in line. But at least I'm not totally crazy.

It was from the Cincinnati Enquirer in late January of this year. He was quoted saying “I want to be here for the rest of my career,” Mixon said. “They drafted me. I will do whatever I can to stay here as long as possible. For my whole career, to be honest.”

So I think it's definitely debatable if he's saying he's willing to restructure his contract with that quote but that's what they discussed in the podcasts, in addition to everything that happened with the RB market in early free agency,

Yeah that's a bit of a stretch from, "I will do whatever I can to stay here as long as possible. For my whole career, to be honest." to early on in free agency saying "I'm willing to rework my contract," which he never said.  Many  players say they want to be with a team as long as possible and will do whatever it takes.  Heck I seem to recall Hayden Hurst saying he found a home here.  Where is he now?  :)

Edit:  And for the record I have nothing against Mixon.  I'd be thrilled if he comes close this year to his 2021 stats.  I just don't think he took such a huge pay cut because he just wanted to stay with the team.  I think given the RB market and given his production last year he knew he didn't have any better options.