The Detroit Lions have a new starting quarterback - again.
The Lions on Sunday signed former University of Utah star Scott Mitchell, a backup to Miami Dolphins starter Dan Marino for most of the past four seasons. Team officials had little to say about the signing, however, at first even refusing to confirm it had occurred.But the Lions finally admitted Mitchell had signed and said they would have more to say at a news conference today.
The Lions also declined to disclose terms, but it reportedly is a three-year deal worth $11 million. Mitchell's agent, Tony Agnone, didn't return a message left by The Associated Press at his Baltimore home Sunday evening.
Mitchell told The Miami Herald that he was impressed by the Lions' commitment.
"When we got right down to it, I wanted to go to someone who was really counting on me," Mitchell said. "Everyone can talk and say, `We want you here.' But they were the team that structured the deal in a manner that made it obvious they have a commitment to me.
"They put their money where there mouth was."
The signing may finally put an end to the Lions quarterback merry-go-round. Erik Kramer, Rodney Peete and Andre Ware had all started for the Lions the past two seasons, and coach Wayne Fontes was frequently criticized for his handling of the quarterbacks.
"Obviously he (Mitchell) was the first quarterback we brought in, and he was the one we wanted," said Bill Keenist, Lions vice president of administration and communications.
Fontes traveled to Miami Friday to make a last-second pitch to Mitchell, bringing offensive coordinator Dave Levy and quarterbacks coach Tom Moore.
"From what I understand, we were the only team to make a second visit. I think that shows how determined we were to sign him," Keenist said.
Mitchell had planned to announce his decision Saturday but decided he wanted another day to choose between the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings.
Mitchell also visited with New Orleans and the Los Angeles Rams.
Unrestricted free-agent quarterbacks Sean Salisbury, who played with Minnesota last season, and Chris Miller, who played with Atlanta, had met with the Lions. The Lions also had planned to talk with Bernie Kosar of Dallas and John Friesz of San Diego.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Mitchell hadn't started an NFL game until Marino tore an Achilles' tendon and was lost to the Dolphins last season. Mitchell started seven games, completing 133 of 233 passes for 1,773 yards, 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Mitchell's efficiency rating of 84.2 ranked fifth in the AFC.
The only quarterback on the Lions roster before Mitchell's signing was Chuck Long, who didn't play last year. Kramer signed with the Chicago Bears and Peete and Ware are free agents and aren't expected to return.