Veteran running back Joe Mixon has been linked with a move to the Baltimore Ravens. This suggestion comes from CBS Sports pundits looking at the best fits for top remaining free agents. Kyle Van Noy, who spent the past three seasons in Baltimore, has been linked with the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mixon’s Potential Ravens Role
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports suggested the Ravens should sign Joe Mixon. Mixon, who turns 30 in July, previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals for seven seasons before signing with the Houston Texans in 2024. He missed the entire 2025 season with a leg injury after back-to-back 1,000-yard-rushing seasons and a Pro Bowl nod.
Wilson believes Mixon could complement Derrick Henry in the Ravens’ backfield. He said that if Mixon can get healthy, the Ravens could use him at 30-40% clip of what he’s accustomed to being used when he was a feature back. Wilson also highlighted Mixon’s ability to catch out of the backfield, something he says the Ravens backfield currently lacks.
“I love the idea of a healthy version of Joe Mixon joining this backfield in Baltimore, giving Lamar Jackson some help, and maybe you get 80% of what you had when he was in his prime, with the understanding that you’re only going to use him 15, 20, 25 snaps a game,” Wilson said.
Van Noy to the Steelers?
Wilson also suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers sign outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy. “I think Kyle Van Noy adds versatility in that he can play off the edge, even though he’s 35,” Wilson said. “He can play off-ball linebacker. He can be the green dot guy and call the defense. And he brings that locker room leadership that may be lacking now that [former Head Coach] Mike Tomlin has sailed off into the sunset to join us in the media.”
Ravens’ Running Back Depth
Despite the suggestion, Mixon’s fit with the Ravens isn’t guaranteed. Justice Hill is currently Henry’s backup. Rasheen Ali and fifth-round rookie Adam Randall are expected to compete for the No. 3 spot, and all three are adept pass-catchers.
In related news, former Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said he’d want to play with the Bengals’ Joe Burrow. “I think Joe is one of the best,” Burrow said. “I love his game, his toughness. He took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career, and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help.”
The free-agency frenzy may be winding down, but big-name players are still on the market.