The Seattle Seahawks are signing former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The move comes two days after defensive lineman Jarran Reed was suspended six games for a violation of the personal conduct policy,
#Seahawks are signing veteran DT Earl Mitchell, source says. He stays in the NFC West after starting the last two years for the #49ers. With Jarran Reed suspended six games, Mitchell can play a big role early.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 24, 2019
Mitchell, 31, joined the 49ers on a four-year deal in February of 2017. He started all 16 games that season, and the first 12 in 2018 before the coaching staff decided to sit him in favor of then-second-year defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
The 49ers decided not to pick up Mitchell's contract option and even reportedly tried to trade him rather than release him immediately.
The Houston Texans made Mitchell a third-round selection out of Arizona in 2010. He registered 28 combined tackles through 14 games and 12 starts with the 49ers in 2018. Mitchell has recorded 268 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, and a forced fumble through his nine NFL seasons. He spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the 49ers.