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It has been a whirlwind of a couple of off seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being up against the salary cap in both 2013 and 2014, the team was forced to re-structure/extend some veterans and release some other mainstays. Most believed that the Black and Yellow would be quiet in free agency this year, especially on the first day, but that wasn't the case.
According to multiple reports, the Steelers have signed veteran safety, Mike Mitchell. A former second round pick of the Raiders, Mitchell went to the Carolina Panthers in 2013 and had a career year. He posted four interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine passes defensed. It is likely that Mitchell is the replacement for Ryan Clark, who has been a Steelers mainstay for years.
Mitchell, though not in the same tier as other free agent safeties Jairus Byrd (who is set to visit the Saints), T.J. Ward (who signed with the Broncos), or Donte Whitner (who signed with the Browns), is still viewed as a solid get for Pittsburgh. He provides a much younger option at safety over Clark, as Mitchell is only 26 years old.
ESPN's Adam Schefter says that the deal is for five years and $25 million:
Steelers gave former Panthers S Mike Mitchell a five-year, $25 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014