The Jacksonville Jaguars today signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Keith Mitchell, a six-year veteran who has started 68 of 90 games played with the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans. He is the second unrestricted free agent linebacker to be signed by the team in two days. On Thursday, the Jaguars signed Mike Peterson from the Indianapolis Colts.

Mitchell, 28, started seven of 12 games played in Houston last season, making 48 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack as an outside linebacker. He was signed by the team as a free agent on July 20. Mitchell spent the first five seasons of his career in New Orleans, starting 61 of 78 games at outside linebacker after having been signed as an undrafted rookie in 1997. His position coach in 1998 was Jack Del Rio. The 6-2, 245-pound Mitchell has career totals of 433 tackles, 19.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, four interceptions and three touchdowns on returns. He made the Pro Bowl after the 2000 season.

Mitchell played collegiately at Texas A&M, starting 23 games and ranking fourth on the school's all-time sack list. He was first-team All-Big 12 as a senior. He is a native of Garland, Texas.

With the signing of Mitchell, the Jaguars' roster stands at 65 players.