The free agent exodus for the Baltimore Ravens marches on.
The latest Raven to jump ship was talented backup running back Keaton Mitchell, who signed a 2-year, $9.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday.
“Former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell is signing with the Chargers on a two-year, $9.25 million deal that includes $5M fully guaranteed, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account.
Mitchell had 995 all-purpose yards for the Ravens in 2025 and will be counted on as the RB2 behind Omarion Hampton, as well as likely returning kickoffs.
Mitchell Exceeded Projected Market Value
The Chargers made a point of giving Mitchell a considerable raise — and paying him well above his projected market value.
“Mitchell had a projected market value of about $1.52M per year — and Los Angeles pays well above that to bring him in,” Darts 2 Leek wrote on their official X account.
“KEATON MITCHELL IS GOING TO GO CRAZY,” Next to Network’s Josh Berman wrote on his official X account.
Much of the positive feedback about Mitchell signing with the Chargers centered around how he might be used in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s offense.
“Keaton Mitchell leaves the Ravens and becomes a player for the Los Angeles Chargers,” Ravens reporter Corvao wrote on X. “A player with a lot of potential, but who was underutilized on the Ravens. In (Mike) McDaniel’s hands, he’s going to be a handful.”
“Perfect fit for McDaniel!” Fantasy Picks wrote on its official X account. “Keaton Mitchell is more than capable of filling a De’Von Achane ‘light’ role for LAC. On a per-touch basis, he’s been as good as anyone since entering the league. If Hampton were to miss time, you can remove the ‘light’ part.”
Mitchell Praised as ‘Deep Sleeper’ With Ravens
There wasn’t a bigger contrast in running backs in the NFL in 2025 than with the Ravens, who led the way with 6-foot-2, 252-pound NFL All-Pro Derrick Henry before switching things up with the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Mitchell.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay singled Mitchell out as a “Deep Sleeper” breakout running back before the 2025 season after struggling with injuries through his first 2 seasons.
Mitchell made the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the NFL scouting combine.
“While Mitchell was clearly the best of Baltimore’s backs who participated in the preseason opener, he will still need to usurp longtime RB2 Justice Hill to get a role backing up Henry and anywhere close to the fantasy radar this season,” Kay wrote on August 12. “If Mitchell continues to shine throughout the remainder of training camp and outplays Hill, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the speedy back open 2025 as Henry’s primary backup and a change-of-pace option.”
Mitchell, 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, was more than impressive during 3 seasons at East Carolina with over 1,100 rushing yards and over 250 receiving yards each of his last 2 seasons.
Mitchell, a 2-time All-AAC pick, he was at his best in his final season in 2022, when he had 1,452 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He also had 27 receptions for 252 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Ravens Lose RB Keaton Mitchell to $9.25 Million Contract With AFC Rival