What to Expect From Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell

The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens UDFA RB Keaton Mitchell on a two-year, $9.25 million deal that includes $5 million guaranteed this offseason, adding a dynamic speedster for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Mitchell, still just 24, spent the past three seasons in Baltimore, and when the Ravens declined to tender him as a restricted free agent, teams quickly lined up to pursue the big-play threat. He brings immediate burst alongside 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton and could help ease the pressure on him in the backfield.

In 2025, the East Carolina product rushed for 341 yards and a touchdown on 59 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry after posting a 6.3 career average. Mitchell recorded 197 of those yards after contact and forced 10 missed tackles. He also hauled in nine receptions on 12 targets for 63 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per catch.

In 2024, Mitchell appeared in just five games while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 15 of the 2023 season. However, he put the league on notice as a rookie that year, posting a career-high 396 rushing yards on just 47 attempts (8.4 YPC) while recording 267 yards after contact. Mitchell also earned a 92.4 offensive grade and a 92.5 rushing grade from Pro Football Focus on 68 total snaps.

According to Next Gen Stats, Mitchell’s 14.49 mph average speed on carries was more than 1 mph faster than any other running back in 2025 with at least 50 carries. He also led that group with a 12.14 mph average speed when crossing the line of scrimmage and recorded the most 20+ mph carries in the league last season, hitting that mark seven times on just 59 attempts. That’s elite explosiveness from Mitchell, especially compared to second-place finisher, Indianapolis Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor, who had six on 323 attempts.

Mitchell can also contribute on special teams as a return man and was effective in that role during his tenure in Baltimore. Expect him to be in the mix for a return specialist job during training camp, with the possibility of handling those duties during the regular season.

McDaniel values speed in his offense, so Mitchell should have a featured role in his first year with the Bolts, particularly as a dynamic change-of-pace option who can create explosive plays in space and add versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.