Former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell Says Baltimore Showed ‘No Interest’ in Bringing Him Back

Running back Keaton Mitchell was let go by the Baltimore Ravens after three years after declining to put a tender on him.

Former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell Says Baltimore Showed ‘No Interest’ in Bringing Him Back

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Keaton Mitchell inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to make a strong push for a deep playoff run in 2026. For that reason, general manager Joe Hortiz signed dynamic running back Keaton Mitchell to bolster the offense and help quarterback Justin Herbert.

Mitchell was part of the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 and waited for the AFC North franchise to extend his stay. However, the Ravens ghosted him right before the free agency window opened.

Speaking to reporters from the Chargers facility, Mitchell revealed that the Ravens’ actions left him surprised.

I was at home in Georgia, then I came back to Baltimore… They didn’t contact me or my agent at all.

Mitchell said via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team

Mitchell and his agent expected the Ravens to put a tender on him after last season ended. He even considered extending his lease in Baltimore and buying a new car, but he never heard back from the Ravens.

An hour before the [free agency] deadline hit for me to be a free agent, I was surprised. I ain’t gonna lie, I was surprised.

Mitchell said

No player willingly wants to be a free agent, but Mitchell had no other option in front of him. Fortunately, the Chargers reached out to his agent, and he quickly flew to LA to pen a new deal. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Keaton Mitchell signed a two-year contract worth $9.25 million on March 12th. His contract includes $5 million fully guaranteed.

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Ravens general manager explained the reason behind not renewing Keaton Mitchell’s contract

Mitchell, an undrafted running back out of East Carolina, joined the Ravens in 2023. He found it tough to break into the starting roster. Derrick Henry, Rasheen Ali, and Justice Hill shared most of the workload from the backfield. Mitchell only registered 121 carries and 3 touchdowns over the three years. But he boasts 6.3 yards per rush and a 14.9% explosive run rate (12+ yards).

Former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell Says Baltimore Showed 'No Interest' in Bringing Him Back
Keaton Mitchell (Image via IMAGO)

Despite that, the Ravens decided it was best to part ways with the 24-year-old. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, who handled the Maxx Crosby trade, explained the reason.

[Keaton Mitchell] was gonna make over $3 million this year based on the system, which was a restricted free agency system, the tender. Again, not a real special teams guy. A talented space runner. He’s not necessarily the most dynamic pass-catching back, so then it becomes, well, would you rather have Derrick on the field or Keaton?

DeCosta said (H/T Ravens Wire)

Who are the Chargers’ running backs?

Mitchell joins a very young Chargers running back room. The average age of the Chargers’ running backs is 24.

22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Omarion Hampton, and former sixth-round draft pick, Kimani Vidal, shared most of the snaps at the RB spot. When Hampton got hurt, the Chargers gave Jarret Patterson a decent run in the first team.

Hampton played 9 games during his rookie year. He accumulated 545 yards on 124 carries and 4 touchdowns.

Mitchell believes Hampton is one of the strongest running backs in the league.

I don’t even think he knows how strong he is. In the weight room he’s going for the heaviest weight in there. And he gon’ just drag it across the weight room.

Mitchell said via Alex Insdrof of Chargers media

Head coach Jim Harbaugh is very excited about the RB room.

The combination of Omarion (Hampton), and Kimani (Vidal) and Keaton…just a real thunder and lightning type of backfield.

Harbaugh said

The Chargers finished with an 11-6 record last year. They were defeated in the wild-card round by the New England Patriots.

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