During media discussions at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Duke Tobin, the Cincinnati Bengals’ director of player personnel, who serves as the team’s de facto general manager, tackled the topic of running back Joe Mixon’s future with the franchise.
Mixon’s recent season showcased his prowess, amassing 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Bengals. However, with a $3 million roster bonus looming, set to be fully guaranteed by March 18, speculation has arisen regarding potential roster adjustments before the deadline.
“I can tell you his role this past year was good,” Tobin said. “He had a really good season for us. I was proud of him, over 1,000 yards, double-digit touchdowns, and was a big factor for us. In terms of predicting anybody’s role going forward, I’m not going to do that up here on the podium.
“Those are roster-building strategies and those are things that we’re talking through as this whole thing unfolds with every player on our roster,” he added. “It’s not specific to just one. Really proud of Joe and the season he had. He did a lot of things to help us get to a point where we had a chance and we didn’t get over the hump but he put us in a position to have a chance.”
Tobin, when pressed on the matter, praised Mixon’s performance last season but refrained from making definitive statements about his future role with the team.
Acknowledging the significance of the roster bonus and its impending deadline, Tobin remained unperturbed, emphasizing that it doesn’t complicate the team’s offseason plans. He emphasized that such contractual provisions were strategically included for specific reasons, respecting both player and agent preferences.
Despite potential financial considerations, the Bengals, benefiting from the NFL’s increased salary cap for the upcoming season, possess added flexibility for roster decisions. Whether they opt to retain Mixon amidst these dynamics remains to be seen, but clarity on their intentions will emerge soon.
