Niners sign DT Earl Mitchell

santa clara, calif.» The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent defensive tackle Earl Mitchell to a $16 million, four-year contract.

Mitchell, who will be paid $5.5 million in 2017, was released earlier this month by Miami and decided to sign with the Niners after meeting with his former Dolphins defensive coordinator and current Broncos head coach Vance Joseph.

The seven-year veteran also visited Seattle and Atlanta.

• The New York Jets released center Nick Mangold, the longest-tenured member of the team.

An 11-year pro and a leader in the locker room, Mangold, 33, has said he doesn’t plan to retire.