Steelers sign safety Mike Mitchell

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) reacts during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

And you thought the Steelers weren’t going to make any news on the first day of free agency. Just as yinzers were yinzing all over the place about how the Steelers were taking naps during the first few hours of free agency, NFL.com has reported that the Steelers have signed 26-year old safety Mike Mitchell from the Carolina Panthers.

Mitchell was also being courted by the Redskins, Bears, Eagles, Broncos, and Falcons, per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com. Mitchell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2009 and spent four seasons with them before signing a one-year deal with Carolina in 2013. He’s got 156 total career tackles and 7 sacks for his career. Last season for the Panthers he had 66 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions.

Mitchell will most likely be playing opposite Troy Polamalu which definitely means that if Ryan Clark’s phone is ringing, the Steelers are absolutely not on the other line. There were earlier reports today that the Steelers were interested in Miami’s Chis Clemons at safety, not to mention their reported interest in cornerback Alterraun Verner. Looks like the Steelers are shopping for defensive backs this offseason.

The Steelers clearly just upgraded at free safety going with Mitchell over Clark. The safety group just got a little bit younger, with Polamalu being the elder statesman who will pave the way for Mitchell and Shamarko Thomas to be the next Clark and Polamalu.

What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Do you like this free agent signing of Mike Mitchell?

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC

Like us on Facebook