The Los Angeles Chargers made a notable splash in free agency Thursday morning, inking former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year, $9.25 million deal with $5 million fully guaranteed. The signing was one of the more intriguing moves of the early free agency period — not just for what Mitchell brings on the field, but for what it signals about new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s plans for the Chargers’ backfield.
Mitchell, 24, arrives in Los Angeles with a reputation as one of the most electric backs in the league on a per-carry basis. Across three seasons in Baltimore, he totaled 112 carries for 767 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.34 yards per carry. That kind of efficiency doesn’t go unnoticed — and the Chargers were clearly paying attention.
Chargers adding ex-Ravens speedster Keaton Mitchell to Mike McDaniel’s offense on two-year deal, per @TomPelisserohttps://t.co/8GyYUxP4aN pic.twitter.com/z2ELnFVFBC
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 12, 2026
A Reunion Built on Familiarity
The Mitchell signing carries a layer of history that goes beyond football strategy. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was working in the Ravens’ front office when Baltimore identified Mitchell as an undrafted free agent in 2023, making this a reunion of sorts. That familiarity with Mitchell’s abilities — and his ceiling — likely played a significant role in Los Angeles moving quickly to secure his services once Baltimore declined to tender him as a restricted free agent.
The Ravens’ decision to pass on Mitchell left him free to explore the open market, and several teams moved quickly to pursue him once it became clear he was available. The Chargers won that race, and they paid above market to do it. Mitchell’s projected market value sat around $1.52 million per year, meaning Los Angeles paid well above that figure to bring him in.
Mitchell’s Injury History and Road Back
The speedster’s path to this contract has not been without setbacks. His rookie season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee during a Week 15 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. He returned by Week 10 of the 2024 season but struggled to rediscover his early form. Last season, however, Mitchell looked closer to the player who once dazzled defenses:
- 59 carries for 341 rushing yards and one touchdown in 13 games in 2025
- 9 receptions for 63 yards, tying his career high in catches
- 995 all-purpose yards for Baltimore in 2025
- Career yards-per-carry average of 6.3
- 4.37 40-yard dash time
The McDaniel Factor
Perhaps the most exciting element of this signing is the fit. McDaniel’s offense in Miami ran through De’Von Achane, and he now adds another speed back with a career average of 6.3 yards per carry. The comparison between Mitchell and Achane is imperfect — Achane’s explosiveness is in a class of its own — but the underlying philosophy is the same. McDaniel values speed, open space, and playmakers who can turn a short gain into a big one.
Under McDaniel‘s early days in Miami, he surrounded himself with players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who could simply take the top off any defense. Then in 2023, he drafted Achane and turned him into one of the most explosive backs in the league. Mitchell now has a legitimate shot at a similar breakthrough.
Chargers also need to upgrade their return game on special teams this year.
Amongst players w/ 15+ kickoff returns last year, Keaton Mitchell was T-13th w/ 26.9 yards per attempt.
70.7 PFF KRTN grade last season. Would think he’ll be a candidate for that role.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) March 12, 2026
Mitchell’s Role in LA’s Backfield
The Chargers return Omarion Hampton, their second-round back heading into his sophomore season, and Kimani Vidal, a situational back who performed admirably when injuries created opportunities last year. Mitchell slots in as the presumed RB2 — and potentially the most dynamic weapon of the three when given room to operate.
Los Angeles has also added tight end Charlie Kolar, fullback Alec Ingold, center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange to the offensive unit this offseason, signaling a broader effort to build a complete, cohesive offense around Justin Herbert and McDaniel’s vision. Mitchell fits neatly into that puzzle — a home-run hitter who can change a game in a single carry.
Source: Yahoo Sports
