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Lions-Texans trade should give Vikings, Steelers and Chiefs low-cost RB option originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the Houston Texans acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, it almost certainly spells the end of another veteran running back's time with the Houston Texans.
The expectation has been that the Texans are going to cut running back Joe Mixon after he missed all of last season with a foot injury.
Now, with Montgomery going to Houston, the Texans have the veteran running back they needed to complement Woody Marks, and that makes Mixon even more expendable.
Despite his 2025 injury, Mixon has made it clear he's going to play in 2026, but his market won't be great considering his age (29) and the aforementioned injury.
But Mixon will still draw some interest, as he has the traits of a three-down back with his abilities as a rusher, pass-catcher and blocker.
Three teams that could have interest in Mixon are the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, all of whom could be looking for a cost-effective back in free agency.
The Steelers might lose Kenneth Gainwell, who is a pending free agent.
Gainwell was a bargain for Pittsburgh last season, but he's going to get a raise in 2026 and the Steelers might balk at giving him one. We don't think Pittsburgh is sold on Kaleb Johnson behind Jaylen Warren, so a veteran addition is needed.
The Vikings are cutting ties with running back Aaron Jones, which leaves a hole in the backfield. Jordan Mason is the only notable back under contract and he is not a starting-caliber player thanks to his struggles in the passing game and with blocking.
In Kansas City, both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are set to be free agents and it's very possible neither one returns. The Chiefs need at least one veteran rusher, and preferably a cheap one like Mixon.
Assuming he can prove he's healthy ahead of 2026, we could see Mixon landing with any of those three teams.
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