Earl Mitchell

After having the worst rushing defense in the league in 2016, the 49ers addressed a key position by signing run-stuffer Earl Mitchell to a 4-year deal. $5.5M of the $16M will be paid in his first year.

Fantasy Impact

Current 49ers nose tackle Glenn Dorsey is slated for free agency with no guarantees for returning. As the team transitions to a 4-3, they'll need a big-bodied space-eater. At 6'3", 310 lbs, Mitchell fits the mold. While his 5.5 sacks over 7 seasons is nothing to be impressed by, his primary job will be to occupy interior lineman allowing others to fill the holes.

The Miami Dolphins have released defensive lineman Earl Mitchell.

Fantasy Impact

After three seasons in Miami, the Dolphins are releasing Mitchell on Thursday. The seven-year veteran only played in nine games in 2016. He recorded 17 total tackles and like Mario Williams, who is also being cut, was a disappointment. Mitchell, though, should have no issue finding a suitor for 2017. He is a free agent.

Earl Mitchell did not practice today due to an injury to his back.

Fantasy Impact

This has little IDP ramifications, but it affects Miami's D/ST value. The line has already had problems, and to lose a veteran starter doesn't help matters. Rookie Jordan Phillips is likely to replace him if Mitchell can't go versus the Bills.

Tackle Earl Mitchell is learning the benefits of lining up next to Ndamukong Suh. Suh - the focus of coordinators - routinely commands double teams which frees up his teammates like Mitchell to face 1-on-1 matchups, or in the case of linebacker Jelani Jenkins and safety Reshad Jones, clearer lanes to the ball carrier or quarterback. Mitchell had three tackles, two for a loss, and one sack against Atlanta on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

The Dolphins are currently drafting as a top-ten defense in spite of questions about linebacking and secondary depth. You won't have time to wait for that sort to out. If you want them you'll have to go get them, or someone else will. On paper, the offensive matchups for the first six weeks of the schedule could turn out to be quite advantageous for Miami.