The Los Angeles Chargers quite literally wasted no time making their interest in running back Keaton Mitchell known as soon as he became available. That's because his former club, the Baltimore Ravens, got caught sleeping at the wheel.
When addressing the media for the first time as a member of the Chargers, Mitchell was asked about his offseason departure from Baltimore. By the sound of it, the Ravens' decision not to tender him as a restricted free agent seemingly came out of nowhere.
Mitchell discussed the near-inclination to re-up the rental contract for his residence and buy a truck in anticipation of landing back in Baltimore.
"I didn't extend my lease," Mitchell told reporters. "I was just waiting ... I was surprised, I ain't going to lie."
Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell admits he was caught off guard by Baltimore Ravens' inactivity
Why the Ravens made no effort to retain Mitchell is unclear, especially given their lack of depth behind bell-cow Derrick Henry. Veteran backup Justice Hill is coming off a neck injury and has been pegged as a potential cap casualty (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). 2024 fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali doesn't appear to have much of a future with the Ravens, and 2026 fifth-rounder Adam Randall is a converted wide receiver.
It's not like Mitchell's efforts on the field warranted getting ghosted by the Ravens. He returned from a torn ACL last season and remained one of the most efficient playmakers in the NFL. His blazing speed was a matchup nightmare in Baltimore, which the numbers bear out.
84 tailbacks who recorded at least 25 carries in 2025, including the playoffs, and Mitchell was one of them. Here's where he ranked in the following metrics, courtesy of Pro Football Focus ($):
- Second in yards per attempt (5.8)
- Fourth in breakaway percentage (46.0)
- 17th in yards per route run (1.31)
- Tied for 18th in yards after contact per attempt (3.34)
Yet, as the saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. It was "probably like 20 seconds" after officially hitting the open market that the Chargers contacted Mitchell, per him, and the rest is history. Los Angeles' brass made him feel welcomed — unlike the Ravens.
Los Angeles and Mitchell agreed to a two-year, 9.25 million deal with $5 million guaranteed in March. The money suggests he'll step into a meaningful change-of-pace role behind 2025 No. 22 overall selection Omarion Hampton.
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