The Seattle Seahawks reportedly had a meeting with free agent running back Joe Mixon on Sunday and are holding a tryout with the player on Monday, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Seattle could be on the cusp of signing the divisive player, but that might not mean good things for Zach Charbonnet.
Charbonnet returned to practice last week and could be cleared to play as soon as Week 5. However, on his day-after show on Seattle Sports 710 AM, head coach Mike Macdonald made it clear that Charbonnet would not return for this week's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The timeline for Charbonnet's return isn't clear, obviously, and while he looks terrific during practice, the team isn't going to rush him back until it knows that the running back can hold up to the rigors of NFL punishment.
Seattle Seahawks could be on the verge of signing running back Joe Mixon
Seattle does need a running back, though. With Charbonnet still not ready and rookie Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury, the Seahawks were down to two running backs on the active roster: Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. The team activated Velus Jones Jr. for Week 4, but Wilson got most of the carries and was quite efficient.
The situation with Mixon gets complicated, though. He missed 2025 with a foot injury, but appears to be healthy now. He has faced several off-field legal issues over the last decade, two involving the use of a gun by someone. If Mixon is signed after the team previously signed cornerback Terrion Arnold in the preseason, fans might not be comfortable with the approach.
Arnold is facing eight felony counts, including armed robbery. He is on the NFL's exempt list and cannot play. He might not be able to play at all this season.
Mixon is free to play and has had a history of relative success. He has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season multiple times. That includes his most recent seasons of 2023 and 2024. If healthy, he could fit the role of Charbonnet, as both backs can grind out short yards without being overly explosive.
Assuming Jadarian Price comes back midway through the season and Zach Charbonnet returns soon, though, the Seattle Seahawks could have one too many running backs. Joe Mixon might be signed to the practice squad and elevated as needed, but the team likely will only carry three tailbacks on the active roster.
When Price and Charbonnet return, the third might be Emanuel Wilson. That would make Mixon obsolete.
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