The 2026 NFL free-agent running back class features several veteran players, including Austin Ekeler and Joe Mixon, who could still play meaningful roles depending on where they land. In this breakdown, we take a look at their potential usage, how they fit different offensive systems, and what their fantasy football value could look like if they sign with new teams ahead of the 2026 season. Joe Mixon Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Joe Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, so he produced no stats that year. Across his career through 2024, he has totaled 6,000+ rushing yards, 50+ touchdowns, and 2,000+ receiving yards on 300+ catches, built primarily as a consistent lead back throughout his NFL career, especially during his time in Cincinnati, where he handled full workloads and goal-line duties.…