The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with cornerback Terrance Mitchell, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It will be a three-year deal worth $12 million over the life of the contract.
Mitchell has spent the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears in 2014 and 2015. Browns general manager John Dorsey was in the same position with the Chiefs when he signed Mitchell to the team’s practice squad in 2016.
In 2017, Mitchell had his ups and downs with Kansas City. He played in 15 games, starting nine of those games. The 25-year-old cornerback played 64 percent of Kansas City’s defensive snaps last season. When targeted in coverage, Mitchell allowed 45 receptions on 88 targets, giving up six touchdowns and an 84.1 passer rating.
On the positive side of the spectrum, Mitchell made 53 tackles and 17 passes defended. He also made four interceptions. For perspective, the Browns had a total of seven interceptions last season.
Mitchell will likely be a nickel corner or a depth signing for Cleveland. It is unlikely that he would unseat Jason McCourty or Jamar Taylor for a starting position. He would likely be in the competition to be Cleveland’s third, or nickel, cornerback with Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Howard Wilson.
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The Browns needed to add veteran depth to the cornerback position. They traded for Damarious Randall, but the expectation is that he will be moving to free safety instead of playing cornerback. So the addition of Mitchell could be a way to add veteran competition to the position.
Dorsey having experience with Mitchell is likely why Dorsey felt comfortable signing Mitchell. Mitchell may have upside as he is still a young player, but there should be low expectations for him entering 2018.
The move does not prevent Cleveland from signing another cornerback in free agency. With the recent free agent signings, cornerback could be an option for Cleveland with the fourth overall pick.
