With the 2024 NFL regular season complete and only a few games remaining in the NFL playoffs, teams throughout the league are signing many practice squad players to reserve/future contracts as they finalize their 90-man rosters.
The Detroit Lions, whose playoff hopes were dashed by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, signed 11 players to reserve/future contracts on Monday. Former Lions tight end was not among them, although he did land a position with a new team for the 2025 season.
The Carolina Panthers announced that they have signed the former fifth-round pick to a reserve/future deal. He played in only one game with the Lions this season after being placed on the practice squad last summer.
The former fifth-round pick did not make the Lions’ final 53-man roster before the August deadline, but was added to the practice squad a day later. James Mitchell was promoted from the taxi squad on November 16, prior of Detroit’s Week 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 25-year-old pass-catcher had no catches or targets against the Jaguars while playing 22 offensive snaps. Following the blowout victory, Detroit quickly returned Mitchell to the practice squad.
Mitchell’s greatest season in the Motor City came in 2022, his rookie season. The former Virginia Tech standout caught 11 passes (11 targets) for 113 yards and one touchdown.
Mitchell had 13 receptions (13 targets) for 141 yards and one touchdown during his three seasons with the Lions.
Mitchell became the odd man out in Detroit after Sam LaPorta was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and Brock Wright continued to grow. He will now strive to get his career back on track with the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers have a legitimate starter in Ja’Tavion Sanders, but the depth beyond the young tight end is unknown because Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are upcoming free agents.
That might provide Mitchell with a shot to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster at minicamp. Mitchell must, however, demonstrate his ability to be an NFL-caliber tight end both as a blocker and receiver.
Leave a Reply