The New England Patriots have signed special teams specialist Mel Mitchell to a deal. Mitchell, who has been with the New Orleans Saints the past few seasons, was regarded as one of the best special teams tacklers in the league. There is a chance that Mitchell could see some time at the safety position in certain situations.

Over the past three seasons with the Saints, Mitchell has averaged more than 25 tackles on special teams. Two years ago, he recorded a league-best 29 tackles to go along with two blocked punts. Mitchell only has 45 tackles on the defensive side of the football. However, Mitchell once had potential to be a starting safety in 2003 with the Saints before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.

Mitchell, a former fifth-round draft pick, has played in 44 games during his career.