Joe Mixon is Working Out for the Seahawks Because the NFL Running Back Carousel Never Stops

The NFL running back market is basically a giant game of musical chairs, and the music just stopped in the Pacific Northwest. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday that veteran free agent Joe Mixon is working out for the Seattle Seahawks.

Mixon has been sitting on the open market waiting for a phone call, and Seattle apparently decided their backfield needed a look at the veteran. This is the classic mid-season tire-kicking exercise that keeps fantasy football managers glued to their phones on a Monday afternoon.

"Free agent RB Joe Mixon is working out for the Seahawks this afternoon, per source."

The timing is certainly interesting. The Seahawks are fresh off a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Usually, a team bringing in a big-name veteran back the day after a solid win means someone in the current rotation is banged up, or the front office just wants to update their emergency contact list.

Mixon was last seen on the Houston Texans' roster, but now he is doing the standard veteran workout tour. Bringing in a guy with his resume is the NFL equivalent of keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. You hope you do not need to use it, but it is nice to know it is sitting right there if things get out of hand.

For the betting and fantasy crowds, a workout is not a contract, but it is a massive flashing caution light. If Seattle actually puts pen to paper, you have to immediately re-evaluate how you handle their backfield props and waiver wire priorities for the rest of the week.

We will see if Mixon leaves the facility with a deal or just a free lunch. If the Seahawks decide to pull the trigger, expect him to be wearing navy and neon green by Wednesday practice.