Earl Mitchell signs with Dolphins

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Not surprisngly, there is some descripancy with this. Some reports are saying he's signed, some are saying he's coming in for a visit, and the Dolphins don't plan to let him leave. Most likely situation is, he has agreed to the deal, but hasn't officially put pen to paper.]

Immediatly after the 4pm ET start to free agency, the Miami Dolphins and offensive tackle Branden Albert made official the deal that over the weekend everyone knew was coming. Three minutes later, the second deal of the day for the Dolphins was completed. The Dolphins welcome defensive tackle Earl Mitchell to South Florida, according to an ESPN report.

The Dolphins are expected to lose both Paul Soliai and Randy Starks infree agency, making the signing of Mitchell a need signing.

Miami opened the free agency period with around $35 million to spend. With two signings already complete, the team is expected to be big spenders for the second straight year. Last season, the team signed wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, linebackers Dannel Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler, cornerback Brent Grimes, and tight end Dustin Keller all in the first few days after Free Agency began. Miami had nearly $40 million to spend in 2013.