49ers Sign DT Earl Mitchell To 4-Year Deal Worth $16 Million

Just days ago the Miami Dolphins released Earl Mitchell. He wasn’t on the market much longer as the San Francisco 49ers inked him to a 4-year deal worth $16 million. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the news of the transaction.

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

Mitchell, 30, was scheduled to make $4 million in 2017 under his old deal with the Dolphins. Surprisingly, it seems that they did him a favor as he will now cash in for $5.5 million in 2017 with his new contract with San Francisco. He only played in 9 games during the 2016 season due to a calf injury.

The former 3rd round pick of the Texans back in 2010 has been a productive pro. He joins a 49ers defense that ranked 28th in defensive DVOA a year ago. He is expected to start right away at one of the defensive tackle spots in their 4-3 defense.