Joe Mixon will headline Cincinnati Bengals’ running game for years to come. Bengals announced on Wednesday that the team and Mixon agreed to a four-year extension that will keep the 24-year-old player with the organization through 2024.
Mixon was entering the final year of his rookie deal, which pays him around $1.2 million in 2020. According to the new terms, he will get a $10 million signing bonus and $12 million a year on average. Bengals have the option to pick up or reject the final year of his contract.
“We are excited that we got this done with Joe,” said Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor. “He has been a valuable weapon for our offense and team. Joe provides great energy not only on the field but in the building as well, and we are ready to move forward as we prepare for the Chargers.”
While the Bengals’ offense struggled in the past few years, Joe Mixon managed to keep a steady production. He rushed for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018 while getting 1,137 yards and five TDs last year. Mixon was also a factor in the receiving game, catching 78 passes for 584 yards and four touchdowns in the past two seasons.
With the extension, the Bengals showed they want Mixon to be a key component of their offense. He, alongside rookie signal-caller Joe Burrow, will most likely be the face of the franchise in years to come.
