Mitchell had 33 tackles and two sacks during the 2014 season. Mitchell is what he is, a depth player along the defensive line who will produce as long as he isn't overexposed.

Dolphins signed DT Earl Mitchell to a four-year, $16 million contract. The deal includes $9 million guaranteed. Mitchell, 26, started 14 games last season, racking up 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks. As an ideal one-gap 4-3 player, he was widely considered one of the top "sleepers" in free agency. The Dolphins outbid the Chargers to land Mitchell.

The Union-Tribune San Diego confirms the Chargers are "very much in the mix" for free agent DT Earl Mitchell, but that the Dolphins are his most-likely suitor. Mitchell would be a much better fit for Miami's 4-3 than San Diego's 3-4, so if the Dolphins' offer is better by even a few dollars, it would be a no-brainer. Mitchell appears likely to come off the market before Tuesday is through.

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are "definitely in the mix" for free agent DT Earl Mitchell. The Fins are a better fit for Mitchell's skill set than the Chargers, who are also rumored to be in the bidding. San Diego runs a two-gap 3-4 defense. Mitchell is a one-gap player. He'd play "three" or "one" technique in Miami.

The Union-Tribune San Diego reports the Chargers are expected to express interest in free agent NT Earl Mitchell. Mitchell has already been linked to several teams and is shaping up to be a hot commodity. The 26-year-old was a poor fit in Houston's 3-4 scheme. The Chargers also run a 3-4. Mitchell would be best served to play three-technique on his next club. San Diego is looking for it's fourth starting nose tackle in four years.

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are expected to let free agent DTs Paul Soliai and Randy Starks walk, and are interested in free agent Earl Mitchell as a potential replacement. Mitchell has also been connected to the Bears. Appearing on ESPN last month, ex-Bucs GM Mark Dominik labeled Mitchell one of the top sleepers of free agency. A fifth-year former third-round pick, Mitchell started 14 games last season, playing 553 snaps. Mitchell would do well to depart Houston's 3-4 scheme for a 4-3.

The Chicago Tribune believes the Bears could show interest in free agent NT Earl Mitchell. Mitchell would be a strong fit for the Bears' 4-3 scheme if they fail to re-sign Henry Melton. The Texans have expressed interest in bringing Mitchell back, but he appears set to test the market. Ex-Bucs GM Mark Dominik considers Mitchell one of the top sleepers of free agency.

ESPN Texans reporter Tania Ganguli doesn't expect the team to re-sign free agent NT Earl Mitchell.

Texans NT Earl Mitchell's 2013 base salary increased from $575,000 to $630,000 after he hit escalators in his rookie deal. Mitchell has appeared in 47 of a possible 48 games since being a third-round pick in 2010. However, he's started just three contests. Starting nose tackle Shaun Cody is hitting free agency this offseason, so Mitchell could take on a bigger role in 2013. He has 86 career tackles.

Texans NT Earl Mitchell will get his first career start in place of Shaun Cody (ribs). Cody suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in Week 9. Mitchell, a third-year player out of Arizona, bulked up from 287 to 308 in the offseason. Rookie Jared Crick and newly signed Terrell McClain will rotate in behind Mitchell.