Every day, the Baltimore Ravens are losing more and more talent. While they’ve done a strong job of filling holes up to this point, they lost another key contributor on Thursday. Running back Keaton Mitchell is the most recent player to depart.
After being non-tendered, Mitchell was an unrestricted free agent. It was a controversial decision, as after bouncing back from injuries, the 24-year-old appeared to be the perfect backup to lead back Derrick Henry. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t return, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $9.25 million contract.
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.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2026
Deal negotiated by Christian Kranz and Shane Costa of Generation Sports Group. pic.twitter.com/O65BLgmwOt
It’s safe to say fans aren’t too happy. Costs had to be cut somewhere, but Mitchell could’ve stayed on an original round tender for $3.5 million. Instead, they move on from the exciting playmaker. His change of pace and playmaking ability will be another piece of the team that the front office will have to replace.
Baltimore Ravens’ questionable Keaton Mitchell decision ends with infuriating departure
After hiring Declan Doyle, the excitement surrounding Baltimore’s offense has been immeasurable. The possibilities are endless when you have a 30-year-old, innovative mind calling the shots, who’s learned from the likes of Sean Payton and Brian Johnson. That excitement was taken to another level when Doyle announced that his offense would lean on hunting explosive plays. Mitchell felt like the ideal fit for that.
Mitchell’s big-play ability would’ve helped Doyle’s offense explode. While Doyle wasn’t calling plays in 2025, he still helped gameplan for the Chicago Bears’ offense last year, and his rushing attack had the third-most yards per game with 144.5 yards. It simply hurts to know that Mitchell won’t have a chance to be a part of that. It’s even more agonizing seeing who he signed with.
The Chargers love signing former Ravens. Their general manager, Joe Hortiz, held a front office role in Baltimore from 1998 to 2023 before becoming the Los Angeles GM in 2024. He’s been a thorn in the Ravens’ side in free agency, picking up various former players. That includes additions made at the running back position with JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards in 2024, and now, Keaton Mitchell in 2026.
Ultimately, Mitchell was a luxury to have, but a luxury that Baltimore may have taken for granted. Derrick Henry deserves more than his fair share of the carries. However, it felt like Mitchell was never given a chance to consistently shine. Despite flashing countless times, he often found himself stuck on the bench, especially in passing situations. Maybe we’ll see how good he can truly be with the Chargers.