The only concern I have, is that it's only a one year deal. Other than that, he'll provide us with another stud linebacker. http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1402131.html Texans at top of Mitchell's list -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Strongside linebacker Keith Mitchell, one of the premier defenders remaining in the veteran free agent market, is nearing a decision on his immediate future -- and appears to be leaning toward a deal with the Houston Texans. Mitchell, who spent his entire career in New Orleans, has all but narrowed his choices to the Texans or Jacksonville Jaguars. The 3-4 scheme that Houston will employ, a defense that should provide the five-year veteran a lot of sack opportunities, could be the determining factor. Agent Michael Harrison spoke with Texans negotiator Dan Ferens on Wednesday, could revisit talks over the weekend. Mitchell will probably make a decision by next week. "We're still going at it with both teams but it's getting to where Keith wants something to happen relatively soon now," Harrison said. "It's getting close to camp and, just like any player, he wants to know where he's going to be." No matter where Mitchell signs, the contract will be for the 2002 season only, giving him a chance to post good numbers and then test the free agent market again next spring. The market for Mitchell was blunted this year because the New Orleans Saints did not release him until early June, when many teams lacked salary cap room. Both the Jaguars and Texans are offering Mitchell a deal worth more than the $525,000 minimum base salary for a player with five years of experience. Mitchell may be the second best defender still available in free agency, behind only tackle Sam Adams, who continues to elicit strong interest from four or five teams. Mitchell, a former Texas A&M star, has started 62 games in his career and has averaged 15 starts in the past four seasons. In 2000, when he had 6½ sacks and an interception, and returned two fumble recoveries for touchdowns, he was selected for the Pro Bowl game. His superb athleticism and quickness was highlighted that year by scheme that the Saints used and by his own playmaking skills. His statistics dropped off in 2001 when New Orleans used middle linebacker Charlie Clemons as its main blitzer. Mitchell met with Saints coach Jim Haslett at least once to discuss the manner in which he was being used. Saints officials decided this spring that second-year pro Sedrick Hodge was ready to move into the starting lineup and, needing salary cap room, released Mitchell to save nearly $2 million on the league spending limit. Mitchell entered the league with the Saints in 1997 as an undrafted free agent. He earned a starting job in his second season. In 79 appearances, Mitchell has 368 tackles, 18 sacks and four interceptions.
Damn, do the Saints have anyone left on defense from last season? If we sign Mitchell, we will already have one of the best defensive units in the AFC if not the NFL.
No kidding. Assuming Mitchell signs with us, this could be the starting defensive unit: DL: Walker/Payne/DeLoach or Issa (the two names I've heard mentioned) LB: Wong/Sharper/Foreman/Mitchell CB: Coleman/Glenn SS: Carter? FS: Stevens It has the makings of a solid starting unit.
The defense has no safeties. We will get burned in this area. We also have no depth. We have a solid defense, but definitely not one of the best in the NFL.
yeah..i agree with rez...we have a glaring hole at the safety positions...HOWEVER...if someone steps up and has even an average year for safeties in the NFL, we have a pretty solid unit. The good thing is you know what to draft for next year! We can target a good safety next year. Wish Roy Williams was coming out next year instead of this year!!!
