The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2023 season as a part of, arguably, the best division in the entire NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off two consecutive trips to the AFC Championship Game while the Baltimore Ravens have finally locked in franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson long-term and the Cleveland Browns seem to be in a strong position to compete with a well-rounded roster. While Pittsburgh may have, on paper, had the best offseason of all four teams, it is going to be an extremely difficult battle throughout the 2023 season for whichever team wants to wear the crown come January.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin looks on during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in July 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The majority of the division received bad news on Friday evening when news broke that one of the key pieces of the Bengals' dynamic offense would be returning to the team. It was strongly believed that running back, Joe Mixon would either need to take a pay cut or play elsewhere in 2023 and as training camp approaches, the two sides have come to an agreement.
The #Bengals and RB Joe Mixon are finalizing a restructured contract that will keep him in Cincinnati for the 2023 season, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 14, 2023
Mixon was due $10.1 million this season with a $12.791M cap number. The new deal frees up cash and cap for Cincinnati, and Mixon stays as RB1. pic.twitter.com/gtOTGYn3hQ
Mixon has not been a stranger to issues with the law and recently plead not guilty to a menacing charge. The bargaining chips weren't necessarily on his side and it seems like the Pro Bowl ball-carrier made the decision to take less money in 2023 in order to stay with the Super Bowl hopeful. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a championship is on the forefront of Mixon's mind.
Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon, who had $9.4 million non-guaranteed base salary, agreed tonight to restructure his contract to remain in Cincinnati. “Joe’s goal is to win a Super Bowl and play his career in Cincinnati and this is the best way to accomplish these goals,” said his agent… pic.twitter.com/AbMNhDteDL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 14, 2023
It wasn't a widespread belief that Mixon wouldn't play for Cincinnati in 2023 although the team did draft Chase Brown out of the University of Illinois in the fifth round back in April.
Cincinnati Bengals star running back, Joe Mixon (#28) carries the ball during a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. | Photo Credit: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
Mixon has had a very good career against the Steelers. He has a total of 151 carries along with 749 yards and three touchdowns since his first game against Pittsburgh back in 2017. He averaged just shy of 75 rushing yards per game against Mike Tomlin's group, but the Browns' fanbase should be even more worried as Mixon has rushed for over 84 yards per game against Cleveland throughout his professional tenure.
The running back was already a pivotal piece of the Bengals' offense and now the Steelers', two other divisional teams and the rest of the AFC will have to worry about the dynamic ball-carrier wreaking havoc with Cincinnati for the time being. There has been no word from the NFL regarding a potential suspension due to his recent off-the-field issues.
Mixon has only made one Pro Bowl in his career, but has amassed nearly 5,400 yards on 1,314 carries while finding the end zone 40 different times since he was drafted. The Steelers will have their hands full in 2023 as the back averages five yards per carry against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) participates in 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Defense Will Have Hands Full With Mixon
Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt and co. only have to go up against the Bengals twice a year, but Mixon can take over both of those games if allowed. While he was always expected to return to Cincinnati in 2023, the breaking news Friday night certainly shouldn't sit well with Steelers' fans. Mixon is back with the Bengals and searching for a Super Bowl.
Did you want to see Mixon leave the AFC North? Let us know in the comments below!
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