Seahawks meet with DT Earl Mitchell, but why?

The interest of the Seattle Seahawks in defensive tackle Earl Mitchell makes no sense. They have better and cheaper versions of him already on the roster.

Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell was part of the housecleaning done by the Miami Dolphins this past week. Mitchell and DE Mario Williams were cut, while Brandon Albert will be cut or traded soon. The Seattle Seahawks are one of four teams that have shown interest in signing Mitchell.

Unfortunately, the reasoning behind Seattle’s interest if tough to decipher. He is a guy that the Seahawks simply do not need. He does not offer an upgrade to Seattle’s roster in any way.

Mitchell isn’t a pass rushing threat. His ability to generate pressure is similar to that of Tony McDaniel. The Seahawks have a roster full of guys like that. They need a pass rusher.

In seven seasons, Mitchell has only total 5.5 sacks. He’s never had more than 2 in any season.

Mitchell is a guy who eats up blocks as a run defender. Ahtyba Rubin and Jarron Reed are both similar, and better, players. Tony McDaniel is a free agent, but can be re-signed for close to the minimum is the Seahawks decide they need additional depth for their run defense.

Mitchell was cut after a pair of very disappointing seasons in Miami. in 2016 he played in just 9 games because of a calf injury. He registered just 18 tackles in those games. 2015 wasn’t any better. He had 22 tackles in 12 games that season.

One justification that we’re likely to see for Seattle’s interest in Mitchell will be an effort to get younger. McDaniel is 32. Rubin is 31. It makes sense that Seattle will want to find a younger player at the position.

Next: KSU's Dante Barnett is very Seahawk-y

Unfortunately, Mitchell hardly qualifies as younger. He’ll be 30 next season, so that explanation makes no sense at all.

The Seahawks have a reputation for leaving no stone unturned in the quest for talent. Call it due diligence to meet with Mitchell if you like, but their interest simply makes no sense.