The Houston Texans have signed defensive tackle Earl Mitchell to a four-year contract, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.
According to Schefter, the deal is worth $3,423,500. Mitchell was selected with the 83rd overall pick in the the third round out of the University of Arizona. He becomes the third Texan from the 2010 draft class to sign with the club. Former Northwestern cornerback and fifth-round draft pick Sherrick McManis signed with the team on May 28. LSU speedster Trindon Holliday signed on May 14.
Mitchell recorded 44 tackles and six sacks as a senior at Arizona last season. He is a tad undersized, at 6-2 and 295 pounds, but he makes up for his size with his quickness. Currently, he is projected to be a third-down pass rusher as a rookie and could compete for a starting job.