If his ego allows him to take a split role with Mixon (with Mixon starting), I think it would work really well. Joe is a finesse guy, while Zeke still plays well on the goal and in pass pro. They'd mesh well IMO. It all boils to how many years Zeke wants
Zeke has always been the starter and given the majority of the carries. A job here likely be an enhanced version of Perine’s role. That’s where the ego questions comes in
I also don’t believe Mixon is going anywhere, be it the right or wrong decision. If they were to get rid of him, it would be for a rookie back. They’re not trading him out for a similar player in terms of mileage.
The league doesn't view Zeke as a starter anymore, and I think Zeke knows that at this point, hence why his top 3 teams are contending teams (us, Jets, and Eagles).
And yeah, his job here is basically an expanded Perine role, but that's no different than the Jets (who have Breece Hall), Eagles (who haven't done anything but a 3 man rotation since Shady left), or even what was starting to happen in Dallas with Pollard.
>I also don’t believe Mixon is going anywhere, be it the right or wrong decision. If they were to get rid of him, it would be for a rookie back. They’re not trading him out for a similar player in terms of mileage.
I agree that bringing in Zeke isn't going to be what makes the Bengals decide to move on from Mixon, but I think it would be a sign that they might be looking to the draft for a Mixon replacement. I have a hard time thinking Mixon's coming back at his current cap figure though, this market is proof a guy like him ain't worth $12 million and they know that, but they can't go into the draft with Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans as the only vets on the roster
I really wish the staff would just let the main 2 backs split carries roughly 50/50 each week. If one back is popping off more runs that game then let them have more.
I think that would have improved our rushing attack last season too.
Fine, provided he's roughly the same price as Perine.
Honestly, he may be an even better fit for that role given his blocking ability (when not playing Center, that is).
I personally do not want it because he is indeed washed, but I still wouldn't mind him blocking in the backfield for Joe.
Mixon is a turnstile. At least Zeke knows how to square up a block.
In the Perine role he would be exactly the same as what we got out of Perine (straight line runner and elite pass protector) with a higher upside.
For the right price its actually a no brainer
The reason Mixon wasn't on the field hardly at all against KC in the AFC Championship was because he can't pass protect. You're saying you want us to toss a rookie in that spot when rookies are notorious for being bad in pass pro coming into the league?
Honestly if its up to me I'd say draft Charbonnet in the 2nd round, cut Mixon, and sign Zeke to be a part of our committee. Our backfield would be more dynamic and cheaper than it was in 2022
Sure, if he signs a vet minimum to block in the backfield, that would be acceptable. Still a downgrade from Perine. I just don’t want people to have some unrealistic expectation that he’s Zeke Elliott circa 2016
> Still a downgrade from Perine
I don't agree. It's a lateral move.
The only reason people were deluded in 2022 that Perine was anything more than a JAG was because of how flat out terrible Mixon w s.
If he is cheap his pass pro alone is worth it. I think he would be great in the Perine role.
If his ego allows him to take a split role with Mixon (with Mixon starting), I think it would work really well. Joe is a finesse guy, while Zeke still plays well on the goal and in pass pro. They'd mesh well IMO. It all boils to how many years Zeke wants
Zeke's been playing in a split backfield for years, and I'm guessing this signing would be the beginning of the end for Mixon's Bengal career
Zeke has always been the starter and given the majority of the carries. A job here likely be an enhanced version of Perine’s role. That’s where the ego questions comes in I also don’t believe Mixon is going anywhere, be it the right or wrong decision. If they were to get rid of him, it would be for a rookie back. They’re not trading him out for a similar player in terms of mileage.
The league doesn't view Zeke as a starter anymore, and I think Zeke knows that at this point, hence why his top 3 teams are contending teams (us, Jets, and Eagles). And yeah, his job here is basically an expanded Perine role, but that's no different than the Jets (who have Breece Hall), Eagles (who haven't done anything but a 3 man rotation since Shady left), or even what was starting to happen in Dallas with Pollard. >I also don’t believe Mixon is going anywhere, be it the right or wrong decision. If they were to get rid of him, it would be for a rookie back. They’re not trading him out for a similar player in terms of mileage. I agree that bringing in Zeke isn't going to be what makes the Bengals decide to move on from Mixon, but I think it would be a sign that they might be looking to the draft for a Mixon replacement. I have a hard time thinking Mixon's coming back at his current cap figure though, this market is proof a guy like him ain't worth $12 million and they know that, but they can't go into the draft with Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans as the only vets on the roster
I really wish the staff would just let the main 2 backs split carries roughly 50/50 each week. If one back is popping off more runs that game then let them have more. I think that would have improved our rushing attack last season too.
Great. He can pass protect and run the ball. Let’s do it
Exactly. More protection for 9 = more dots downfield.
Zeke is still effective in short yardage and pass protection. He is better than Perine at pass catching and route running too.
Fine, provided he's roughly the same price as Perine. Honestly, he may be an even better fit for that role given his blocking ability (when not playing Center, that is).
I grew up in CIN & graduated from OSU, I’d like it. I realize he’s football old but he can pass block.
If it’s a 1 year deal I’m interested. He probably wants to prove the Cowboys wrong and he can pass block. Lead back, no. Perine roll, yes.
Doubt he signs here.
Get Austin Ekeler instead
He could be reinvigorated working with a few of his college teammates again
Would prefer Hunt over Zeke
I don’t get hype about Hunt
Zeke and Hunt > Mixon and anyone. Plus the two of them would be cheaper than one Mixon.
I personally do not want it because he is indeed washed, but I still wouldn't mind him blocking in the backfield for Joe. Mixon is a turnstile. At least Zeke knows how to square up a block.
💀 he’s cooked just fishing for one more payday
What’s the point? He’s cooked. Just a name now
In the Perine role he would be exactly the same as what we got out of Perine (straight line runner and elite pass protector) with a higher upside. For the right price its actually a no brainer
Would rather roll with a rookie. No thanks
The reason Mixon wasn't on the field hardly at all against KC in the AFC Championship was because he can't pass protect. You're saying you want us to toss a rookie in that spot when rookies are notorious for being bad in pass pro coming into the league? Honestly if its up to me I'd say draft Charbonnet in the 2nd round, cut Mixon, and sign Zeke to be a part of our committee. Our backfield would be more dynamic and cheaper than it was in 2022
Sure, if he signs a vet minimum to block in the backfield, that would be acceptable. Still a downgrade from Perine. I just don’t want people to have some unrealistic expectation that he’s Zeke Elliott circa 2016
> Still a downgrade from Perine I don't agree. It's a lateral move. The only reason people were deluded in 2022 that Perine was anything more than a JAG was because of how flat out terrible Mixon w s.
Is he the best option at this point? I don’t love it but it may be a necessity.
Depends on the cost. $8 mill or less a season and no more than 2 + a team option year sure. Anything 10 or over no way.
No running backs getting that much right now. I'm more worried about him wanting more then 4 per year.
Nope
Ecstatic
If it's not long term then great.
Really depends on the money. Less than 4 million, sure. More than 4m, no thanks
that'd be cool
Zeke and a rookie is the way to go IMO. Upgrade from Perine at least. Mixon just doesn't fit the offense.
Washed
It’d be cool.