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Former Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell announced on Twitter Tuesday afternoon that he's headed to Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh!!!!!! First I have to thank God for this blessing and Mr. Rooney and the Steelers organization for such a great opportunity!
— Mike Mitchell (@MikeMitchell34) March 11, 2014
A Raiders 2009 second-round pick out of Ohio University, Mitchell played four seasons in Oakland before signing with the Panthers in 2013. The 26-year-old made 15 starts for the NFC South champs, and had 8 passes defended to go along with 4 interceptions. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Mitchell ranked 35th in the league among safeties, 10 spots ahead of the man he'll replace on the roster: Ryan Clark, who is eight years older.
As R.Clark was on espn talking abt how he was hoping to get an extension in Pgh last spring, M. Mitchell was tweeting abt signing in Pgh
— Tim Benz (@TimBenz970ESPN) March 11, 2014
Mitchell will battle 2013 third-rounder Shamarko Thomas for the starting job opposite Troy Polamalu, who played in all 16 games last season.
Meanwhile, the move likely means that the Steelers won't target safety in the first round. Instead, expect the team to focus on any number of other needs with cornerback, defensive line and wide receiver among them.
