According to CSN Bay Area, the deal is worth $16 million with Mitchell receiving $5.5 million in 2017.
Mitchell is a recent cap casualty of the Miami Dolphins. He was a third-round selection out of Arizona in the 2010 NFL Draft and played for the Houston Texans prior to his time in Miami. Mitchell spent much of the 2016 season on injured reserve due to a calf injury before being activated for the final five games. His scheduled $4 million salary in 2017 contributed to his release from the Dolphins.
Over his seven seasons in the league, Mitchell has accumulated 207 tackles, which includes 79 assists, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and five passes defensed. While he has appeared in 101 games over that time span, he has started just 38.
While 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was no longer with Houston when Mitchell was drafted, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was an assistant linebackers coach with the Texans during Mitchell's rookie season (2010). 49ers defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina was an assistant defensive line coach in Houston during Mitchell's final season with the Texans (2013). Defensive quality control coach DeMeco Ryans, a former NFL linebacker, played with Mitchell for two seasons (2010-2011) with the Texans.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman is seen as someone who could help the 49ers against the run and add much-needed depth to the unit. The 49ers defense ranked last in the league against the run last season. In addition to ranking last in points and yards allowed, the defense surrendered a league-high 176.3 rushing yards per game. No team in 49ers franchise history had given up more rushing yards than the 2016 squad.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Playoff Picture: San Francisco Postseason Deep Dive and Rooting Guide
The San Francisco 49ers and the Faithful have rooting interests in key NFL Week 14 games that will shape the 2025 NFC playoff race. Here's how this weekend's matchups impact the 49ers' postseason positioning, seeding, and path to the playoffs. NFL Week 14 of the 2025 NFL... -
49ers great Roger Craig named 2026 Hall of Fame finalist
San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig took a significant step toward football immortality on Wednesday. The former NFL running back was named one of five finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, joining senior finalists Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood, coach... -
49ers' Shanahan still hopes Aiyuk returns this season—but isn't counting on it
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't sound particularly optimistic Tuesday morning when discussing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's chances of returning this season. Appearing on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch emphasized that while he remains hopeful, he can't... -
49ers' Brock Purdy may have a request for Mac Jones, explains sideline arm brace
Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning...