Player Lions Just Cut Ties With Already Signed by New Team

With the 2024 NFL regular season wrapped up and only a few games left in the NFL playoffs, teams across the league are signing multiple practice squad players to reserve/future deals as they put together their 90-man rosters.

The Detroit Lions, who had their playoff dreams upended by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, signed 11 players to reserve/future deals on Monday. Former Lions tight end James Mitchell wasn’t among that group, but he landed an opportunity with a new team for the 2025 season.

On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced they signed the former fifth-round pick to a reserve/future contract. Mitchell only appeared in one game this season with the Lions after being placed on the practice squad last summer.

The former fifth-round pick did not make the Lions’ final 53-man roster ahead of the August deadline but was signed to the practice squad a day later. Mitchell was elevated from the taxi squad on Nov. 16 ahead of Detroit’s Week 11 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 25-year-old pass-catcher didn’t register a catch or target against the Jaguars but played 22 offensive snaps. After the blowout win, Detroit immediately placed Mitchell back on the practice squad.

Mitchell’s best season in the Motor City happened in 2022, which was his rookie season. The former Virginia Tech standout had 11 receptions (11 targets) for 113 yards and a touchdown. In his three-year tenure with the Lions, Mitchell recorded 13 receptions (13 targets) for 141 yards and a score.

With the addition of Sam LaPorta in the 2023 NFL Draft and continued improvement from Brock Wright, Mitchell became the odd man out in Detroit. Now, he’ll try to get his career back on track with the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers have a bonafide starter in Ja’Tavion Sanders, but the depth behind the young tight end is uncertain as Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are pending free agents.

That could open up an opportunity for Mitchell to push for a spot on the 53-man roster in minicamp. However, Mitchell must show that he can be an NFL-caliber tight end as a blocker and receiver.

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