Key Takeaways
- Analyst Ryan Wilson advocates signing veteran running back Joe Mixon to the Baltimore Ravens as a “two‑for‑one” move that would pair him with Derrick Henry.
- Mixon, 30, missed the 2025 season with a leg injury but posted back‑to‑back 1,000‑yard rushing campaigns and a Pro Bowl selection before that.
- Wilson envisions Mixon contributing at a reduced snap share (15‑25 per game) while providing a much‑needed pass‑catching element from the backfield.
- Baltimore’s current RB depth—Justice Henry’s backup Justice Hill, plus pass‑catching contenders Rasheen Ali and rookie Adam Randall—makes Mixon a less‑than‑ideal fit on paper.
- Former Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins expressed a desire to play with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow at the Kentucky Derby, underscoring the lingering connection between Baltimore’s former pass‑catchers and Cincinnati’s signal‑caller.
Ryan Wilson’s recent commentary centers on a tantalizing free‑agent scenario: bringing veteran running back Joe Mixon to the Baltimore Ravens to complement Derrick Henry in what he describes as a “two‑for‑one” acquisition. Mixon, who will turn 30 in July, spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the Houston Texans in 2024. His most recent productive stretch featured back‑to‑back 1,000‑yard rushing seasons and a Pro Bowl honor, but a leg injury forced him to miss the entire 2025 campaign, raising questions about his durability and explosiveness entering his ninth NFL year.
Wilson argues that even if Mixon cannot return to his peak workload, a healthy version of the back could still be valuable if utilized at a 30‑40 % clip of his former role. In that limited capacity, Mixon would spell Henry, allowing the powerful workhorse to wear down defenses while Mixon cleans up remaining yardage. Importantly, Wilson highlights Mixon’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield—a skill set noticeably absent from Baltimore’s current running‑back corps. Adding that dimension would give Lamar Jackson another outlet in the short‑to‑intermediate passing game, potentially easing pressure on the quarterback and opening up play‑action opportunities.
When examining the Ravens’ existing running‑back hierarchy, the fit appears less straightforward. Justice Hill is firmly established as Henry’s primary backup, and both Hill and the younger Rasheen Ali have demonstrated reliable pass‑catching traits. Fifth‑round rookie Adam Randall is also projected to compete for the third‑string spot, further bolstering the team’s receiving versatility from the backfield. Given this depth, Wilson acknowledges that Mixon might actually be a better match for a franchise lacking a true third‑down back or a veteran presence in the locker room.
The discussion veers briefly into a nostalgic note from former Ravens wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who, while attending the Kentucky Derby, was asked which quarterback he has yet to play with that he’d most like to. Hopkins cited Bengals signal‑caller Joe Burrow, praising his toughness, early Super Bowl appearance, and potential to return to the pinnacle with additional support. Burrow’s reciprocal praise for Hopkins underscores the lingering bond between Baltimore’s former receiving corps and Cincinnati’s current quarterback, a subplot that adds color to the broader conversation about player movement and fit within the AFC North.
Overall, Wilson’s proposition hinges on a conditional optimism: if Mixon can overcome his recent injury and accept a reduced role, his dual threat as a rusher and receiver could provide the Ravens with a valuable complementary piece to Henry’s power‑running scheme. However, the Ravens’ already‑strong and pass‑savvy running‑back depth suggests that any pursuit of Mixon would need to weigh the marginal gain against the opportunity cost of allocating a roster spot and contract dollars to a player whose availability remains uncertain. The ultimate decision will likely depend on Baltimore’s assessment of Mixon’s medical outlook, the market value for veteran backs, and how highly the coaching staff prioritizes adding a receiving‑oriented threat to an already potent backfield.