Earl Mitchell, released by Dolphins, has connections to Broncos
The Miami Dolphins have gone on a cutting spree, letting go of defensive lineman Earl Mitchell. Mitchell has connections with the Broncos…
The Denver Broncos will be in the market for defensive line help in free agency, and one player that was just released by the Miami Dolphins that could attract their interest is veteran Earl Mitchell.
Mitchell played in just nine games this past season for the Dolphins after coming off of injured reserve halfway through the season. At 29 years of age, There are still some good years left in Mitchell and the Broncos could potentially get him on a team-friendly, short-term deal.
There’s a connection for Mitchell in Denver as well. In fact, there are multiple connections. Obviously, Mitchell played under Vance Joseph last year with the Dolphins when Joseph was their defensive coordinator, but he also spent the early portion of his career being coached by Bill Kollar with the Houston Texans.
Kollar is the defensive line coach in Denver, and has plenty of familiarity with the former Arizona product.
There was a report earlier in the week that the Broncos were interested in potentially bringing back Vance Walker, and this move probably wouldn’t change that. Watching the Broncos struggle with depth on the defensive line last year was tough, to say the least. After Malik Jackson left for big money and Walker was placed on IR with a torn ACL, the Broncos allowed over 130 rushing yards per game.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
That’s certainly not the type of defense the played in their Super Bowl championship season, and it was a major reason why their vaunted secondary was not as effective. Teams didn’t have to throw on the Broncos as much, and thus, didn’t play into the team’s strengths.
Upgrading the run defense is paramount. If the Broncos feel like they can get production out of Mitchell, Walker, and Jared Crick for less than the price of Calais Campbell, perhaps they would value the depth over the big name.
Whatever the case, the Broncos need to get tougher up front, and Mitchell could be someone that could rotate in at defensive end and help the Broncos out.