The Los Angeles Chargers have added a rushing weapon for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is signing with the Chargers on a two-year, $9.25 million deal that includes $5 million fully guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday, per a source. The team has since announced the news.
Baltimore elected not to tender Mitchell as a restricted free agent. The Chargers pounced on a speed back with enticing upside.
An undrafted free agent in 2023, Mitchell burst onto the scene midway through his rookie campaign, blasting off for big plays and adding an explosive element to the Baltimore offense. However, a brutal knee injury wiped away the hype and also sapped much of the 2024 season. Last year, he looked closer to his rookie self, earning 341 yards and a touchdown on 59 totes, with a long run of 55 yards. Buried behind Derrick Henry, there simply weren't many opportunities for Mitchell.
A year further removed from the injury should hopefully open more chances for Mitchell to show off that speed.
Giving McDaniel a player with Mitchell's speed is intriguing for the Chargers, who have first-round back Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal atop the depth chart. We saw what McDaniel did with third-rounder De'Von Achane in Miami. While Mitchell doesn't possess that type of explosiveness (who does?), his speed can be extremely useful for the new L.A. OC. The element Mitchell provides should help open up the new offense, particularly on wide runs -- if they can get proper blocking.
