Chargers make $9.25 million splash on former AFC North running back

The Los Angeles Chargers are welcoming a new weapon to their ground attack.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported Thursday that the Chargers are signing former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a 2-year, $9.25 million contract, with $5 millionguaranteed.

Mitchell joins a Chargers backfield, which has Omario Hampton, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson. Hampton has been tendered by the Bolts and can be expected to compete this offseason with Mitchell for the team’s RB1 role in the 2026 season.

Landing with the Chargers gives the 24-year-old Mitchell an opportunity to break out in the 2026 campaign after spending his first three seasons in the league with the Ravens. 

The East Carolina product went undrafted in 2024 but later signed with Baltimore. During his time with the AFC North franchise, he rushed for 767 yards and 3 touchdowns on 121 carries, adding 184 receiving yards on 19 receptions and 24 targets through 26 games with two starts. Baltimore did not offer him a restricted free agent tender, paving the way for him to sign with another NFL club.

Although he had limited touches with the Ravens, his NFL career average of 6.3 yards per carry speaks volumes about his potential to become a major contributor to the Chargers’ offense under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.