Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell did not stay unemployed for long. A week after being cut by the Miami Dolphins, Mitchell has reportedly signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
DT Earl Mitchell to the Niners on a four-year deal worth $16m with $5.5m in year one, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 25, 2017
The 49ers will be Mitchell’s third team.
Mitchell was a third-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2010 NFL. He remained with Houston through 2013 and played in Miami from 2014-16.
He has recorded 5.5 sacks in his career. In 2016, Mitchell played in nine games for the Dolphins, starting five of them.
San Francisco had one of the NFL’s worst up the middle defenses in 2016. So, Mitchell should get a chance to earn plenty of playing time.
It’s also a clear indication the 49ers are moving to a Seahawks-based 4-3 defense with Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner moving from the inside to defensive end. It adds more depth and talent to what might now be a strong defensive front.