Terrance Mitchell

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys selected Mitchell in the seventh round (254th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft. Mitchell was the 33rd and final cornerback drafted.^[6] His fall in the draft was speculated to be due to his performance at the NFL Combine, as teams deemed him too slow to play cornerback.^[7]

On May 15, 2014, the Cowboys signed Mitchell to a four-year, $2.265 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $45,896.^[8][9] As a rookie, he was ineligible to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) until the University of Oregon classes ended. Throughout training camp, Mitchell competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Sterling Moore, B. W. Webb, Tyler Patmon, and Dashaun Phillips.^[10][11] On August 30, the Cowboys waived Mitchell.^[12]

Chicago Bears

On September 1, 2014, the Chicago Bears signed Mitchell to their practice squad.^[13][14] On October 13, the Bears elevated Mitchell to their active roster, but remained inactive as a healthy scratch for the last ten games of the regular season.

Throughout training camp in 2015, Mitchell competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Alan Ball, Demontre Hurst, Al Louis-Jean, Sherrick McManis, Jacoby Glenn, Qumain Black, and Bryce Callahan. Head coach John Fox named Mitchell the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Kyle Fuller, Alan Ball, and Sherrick McManis.^[15]

In 2015, a notable preseason allowed Mitchell to make the roster by beating out Tim Jennings. He was sidelined after Week 5 with a hamstring injury. On November 17, 2015, Mitchell was released by the team to clear roster space for cornerback Jacoby Glenn.^[16] On November 19, he was re-signed to Chicago's practice squad. However, Mitchell was released by the Bears four days later.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

On December 2, 2015, Mitchell was signed by the Cowboys to the practice squad.^[17] With cornerback Orlando Scandrick out with a season ending knee injury and Tyler Patmon struggling, Mitchell was promoted to the active roster on December 18 and was named the team's nickel cornerback.^[18] In his first game against the New York Jets, he registered a pass defensed and an interception, becoming one of two cornerbacks on the team to have an interception on the year. Against the Washington Redskins, Mitchell sacked quarterback Colt McCoy, forcing a fumble. In three games, he registered 12 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two passes defensed.

In 2016, Mitchell was used at nickel back and safety during OTAs. He was released by the Cowboys on June 10, 2016.^[19]

Houston Texans

On June 13, 2016, Mitchell was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, intended to replace rookie cornerback Richard Leonard, who suffered a torn hamstring.^[20] He was released by Houston on September 3.^[21]

Kansas City Chiefs

On September 6, 2016, Mitchell was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.^[22] He was promoted to the active roster on October 18.^[23] Mitchell was released by Kansas City on November 8, and was re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day.^[24] He was promoted back to the active roster on November 25, to be the third cornerback.^[25]

In 2017, Mitchell began the season as a starter at right cornerback for seven games in place of an injured Steven Nelson. In Week 3, he recorded two interceptions and nine tackles in a 24–10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Mitchell's performance against the Chargers was the first multi-interception game of his professional career.^[26] On October 30, Nelson was activated to play against the Denver Broncos and Mitchell returned to a backup role behind Kenneth Acker. He finished the season with nine starts in 15 appearances, and logged four interceptions.

Cleveland Browns

On March 15, 2018, Mitchell signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, reuniting with John Dorsey who was the general manager with the Chiefs.^[27][28] He forced two fumbles and recovered one, in the team's 21–18 loss in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Mitchell had a game-sealing interception in the third game 21–17 win against the New York Jets. Mitchell started the first four games of the season at right cornerback, before suffering a broken wrist in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders.^[29] He was placed on injured reserve on October 2.^[30] Mitchell was activated off injured reserve on December 8.^[31] He started three of the last four games, tallying 19 tackles and 3 passes defensed. Mitchell finished the season with 38 tackles, one interception, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

In 2019, Mitchell appeared in 15 games (including four starts), collecting 21 tackles and one interception. He did not play a snap in the team's Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots.

In 2020, second-year player Greedy Williams was expected to be the starter at right cornerback opposite Denzel Ward, but was lost for the season with a nerve injury in his shoulder that he suffered midway through training camp. Mitchell was named the starter instead for all 16 games and both playoff contests. He posted 65 tackles (two for loss), three forced fumbles, and 13 passes defensed.

Houston Texans (second stint)

On March 24, 2021, Mitchell signed a two-year contract worth up to $7.5 million with the Texans.^[32][33] He was named a starting cornerback in 2021, recording 60 tackles, three forced fumbles, 10 passes defensed and one interceptions in 14 games and 13 starts.

On March 10, 2022, Mitchell was released by the Texans.^[34]

New England Patriots

On March 16, 2022, Mitchell signed a one-year contract worth $3 million with the New England Patriots.^[35][36] He was released on August 30, and was re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day.^[37][38]

Tennessee Titans

On September 21, 2022, Mitchell was signed by the Tennessee Titans off of the Patriots practice squad.^[39] He was placed on injured reserve on December 22.^[40]

San Francisco 49ers

On July 25, 2023, Mitchell signed with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract.^[41] He was placed on injured reserve on August 3.^[42] Mitchell and the 49ers reached an injury settlement six days later.^[43] He was re-signed to the team's practice squad on January 10, 2024.^[44]

Regular season

Playoffs