The 49ers are turning to D.J. Jones, as the club officially declined to exercise the option on veteran nose tackle Earl Mitchell’s contract for the 2019 season.
The 49ers informed Mitchell of their decision in January but left the door open to pursue a trade. Mitchell was scheduled to make $3.7 million in salary and bonuses for 2019.
Jones, a sixth-round pick in 2017, started the final four games of the season as Mitchell’s role was reduced to make room for the younger player. Mitchell, a nine-year pro, was declared inactive for the final two games.
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