The Seattle Seahawks are making a surprising addition to their running back room. After bringing Joe Mixon in for a workout Monday, Seattle has signed the veteran running back as it looks to add depth to a position that has been hit by injuries.
Mixon’s return to the NFL is notable considering he had not played since January 2025 and had reportedly indicated earlier this year that he believed his playing career was over. Now, the former Pro Bowl running back is getting another opportunity with the defending Super Bowl champions.
Seahawks needed help at running back
Seattle’s decision to bring in Mixon comes at a particularly interesting time for the position. Rookie running back Jadarian Price was recently placed on injured reserve, while Zach Charbonnet has yet to make his 2026 debut as he continues working his way back from a torn ACL.
Charbonnet’s return window has opened, but head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday that he will not play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. That leaves the Seahawks with Emanuel Wilson, George Holani and Velus Jones Jr. as their available backs, making veteran reinforcements especially important.
Mixon now gives Seattle an experienced option who has spent nearly a decade producing at the NFL level.
Mixon brings impressive NFL résumé
Mixon has rushed for 7,428 yards and five 1,000-yard seasons during his NFL career. His best stretch came with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent his first seven seasons before joining the Houston Texans.
Mixon earned his second career Pro Bowl selection in 2024 after rushing for 1,016 yards in his first season with Houston. However, a foot injury kept him out for the entire 2025 season, and the Texans released him during the offseason.
Now, the 30-year-old gets an unexpected chance to return to the NFL with a Seattle team that entered the season as the defending Super Bowl champion and is currently 3-1.
The signing does not necessarily mean Mixon will immediately become Seattle’s featured back, particularly with Charbonnet’s return approaching. But with the Seahawks dealing with injuries and a thin running back room, bringing in a player with Mixon’s experience is a fascinating move.
After appearing to be done with football just months ago, Joe Mixon is officially getting another shot in the NFL.
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