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The ACC and others back a 24-team CFP, awaiting SEC's decision.
Keaton Mitchell signed a two-year, $9.25 million deal with the Chargers after the Ravens showed no interest in retaining him. He expressed shock at the Ravens' lack of communication regarding his status as a free agent.
In a move that was viewed as shocking at the time, former Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell signed with the Chargers on a two-year, $9.25 million deal that included $5 million fully guaranteed as Los Angeles added speed to its backfield.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz was in Baltimore when the Ravens signed Mitchell as an undrafted rookie in 2023. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, whose offense in Miami ran through Devon Achane, now adds another speedy running back with a career average of 6.3 yards per carry. The Ravens declined to tender the restricted free agent running back, allowing the explosive dual-threat playmaker to hit free agency. The original round tender would have cost the Ravens $3.5 million, while a second-round tender would have been $5.8 million. Mitchell was limited to just five games in 2024 after recovering from a knee injury suffered as a rookie. While working his way back into form, Mitchell was inactive as a healthy scratch for the first month of the season before receiving carries down the stretch.
Now in Los Angeles, Mitchell told the media that he was shocked when the Ravens didn't reach out or even communicate their lack of interest.
Mitchell's comments will only continue to fuel debate among Ravens fans who believe the explosive running back still has untapped potential in Baltimore's offense. While the organization clearly prioritized roster flexibility, youth, and a larger workload for Derrick Henry, Mitchell's speed and home-run ability always brought a different dimension to the backfield. Now, as he begins a fresh opportunity with the , plenty of people in Baltimore will continue wondering whether the Ravens may have let a dangerous playmaker walk away too soon.
The Ravens declined to tender Mitchell as a restricted free agent, prioritizing roster flexibility and other players.
Mitchell signed a two-year deal worth $9.25 million, including $5 million fully guaranteed.
Mitchell averaged 6.3 yards per carry but was limited to five games in 2024 due to a knee injury.
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Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said this about not bringing Mitchell back.
“He 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?”
Mitchell was seldom utilized under former offensive coordinator Todd Monken, never receiving more than nine carries in a game. However, he was effective with his opportunities, maintaining an impressive average of 5.8 yards per carry over 59 rushing attempts. He appeared to regain his speed, recording four carries of at least 20 yards. It's worth noting that Derrick Henry and Justice Hill are both under contract through 2026.
In all, Mitchell finished the 2025 season with 59 carries for 341 yards and a touchdown while adding nine catches for 63 yards on 12 targets over 13 games.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Keaton Mitchell admits the Ravens' silence in free agency shocked him