Per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, the 49ers are signing nose tackle Earl Mitchell to help bolster the interior of their defensive line. Mitchell last played with the 49ers in 2018, where he played 363 snaps. PFF graded him out as a 63.7 in 2018. You’re not bringing back Mitchell to rush the passer; you’re bringing him back to ensure your run defense improves. That’s something Mitchell has done at a high level his entire career.
The decision to sign Mitchell likely comes to give Sheldon Day and DeForest Buckner a breather.