New deal also means new position for Mitchell

By JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writer
Published January 5, 2008

Linebacker Kawika Mitchell might not be able to play in Sunday's wild-card game because of a knee sprain sustained early in last week's regular-season game against the Patriots. It would be a disappointing turn of events for the fourth-year linebacker, who played at USF and looked forward to a Tampa homecoming.e_SClBMitchell did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday and listed as questionable Friday, giving him a 50-50 chance of playing. Even if Mitchell's afternoon is spent restlessly on the sideline, it's safe to say his offseason won't be.

It will be a nice change.

A year ago, Mitchell didn't get much interest as a free agent despite three seasons as a starting middle linebacker for the Chiefs. Finally, the Giants called. Mitchell signed a one-year, $1-million contract with a $250,000 signing bonus.

Even if New York opts not to keep him, he should get more offers in the offseason. After switching to the weakside, Mitchell came on strong in the second half. He had 87 tackles, third on the team, 3 1/2 sacks and two returns for touchdowns.

Mitchell, 28, was the NFC defensive player of the week after tallying six tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown in a come-from-behind, playoff-clinching 38-21 victory Dec.23 at Buffalo.

"Especially when you talk about his last five or six games, Kawika's done an outstanding job," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "He's so fast and so fluid that we've been able to take full advantage of his skill and his talent at that spot. He is playing well at the right time of the year."

[Last modified January 4, 2008, 21:18:24]