Source: Free Agent Joe Mixon Texans 'Top Target at Running Back'

After missing out on several running backs in free agency, the Houston Texans have turned their attention to free agent Joe Mixon, per source.

HOUSTON -- A busy start to free agency left Joe Mixon as one of the top candidates on the running back market. Given that the Houston Texans missed out on the opportunity to address their offensive backfield, there is a possibility that the franchise could sign Mixon.

A source tells TexansDaily.com that Mixon has emerged as Houston's "top target at running back."

Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) breaks through the line on a carry in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns :: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 27-year-old running back is coming off his fourth career year of rushing for over 1,000 yards. Mixon finished his final season with the Cincinnati Bengals rushing for 1,034 yards on 257 attempts and nine touchdowns.

His best season came in 2021 when Mixon rushed for a career-best 1,205 yards on 292 carries and 13 touchdowns. His production helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI, where Cincinnati fell 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams. The Bengals' Super Bowl run also marked Mixon's lone Pro Bowl honor.

The Texans spent their first day of free agency watching several prominent running backs fall off the board, headlined by former New York Giants star Saquon Barkley. 

Before he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, a source told TexansDaily.com that the Texans were "definitely in the mix." Barkley landed with the Eagles after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $37.75 million. 

Texans Out on Patrick Queen After Signing Azeez Al-Shaair?

The Giants replaced Barkley's services by signing former Texans' running back Devin Singletary to a three-year deal worth up to $19.5 million. Singletary had a career year during his lone season in Houston, rushing for 898 yards on 216 attempts and four touchdowns.