The Pittsburgh Steelers have already let go of one veteran defensive back this offseason as they’ve informed William Gay his time with the team is done. Mike Mitchell could also be gone as the team intends to cut the veteran safety.
However, the Steelers have told Mitchell they’d still like to have him back if he doesn’t find a deal he likes on the open market.
Per Tom Peliserro of NFL Network:
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert spoke today with veteran safety Mike Mitchell, source said, and expressed they’re still interested in bringing him back. Mitchell will test the market once release is official, but door remains open.
Mitchell, 30, has been a fixture for the Steelers since coming over from the Carolina Panthers in 2014. He’s started 60 out of a possible 64 games with the team, recording 281 tackles, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
Mitchell has been infamous for his big hits, particularly one helmet-to-helmet hit on Chiefs running back Charcandrick West last season which resulted in a concussion. But despite the occasional controversy, he remains a strong locker-room presence for the Steelers.
Even if the Steelers do retain Mitchell, though, they will likely still need to make some much-needed upgrade at safety this offseason. Mitchell is probably more of a backup at this stage of his career, and they have no other safety on the team capable of stepping up to prevent the team from surrendering big plays. The Steelers allowed 16 passing plays of 40 or more yards in the regular season, tied for most in the NFL.
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