When Keaton Mitchell hit free agency this offseason, he expected the unexpected. But even he wasn't prepared for the silence from Baltimore.
The former Ravens running back, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after testing the market, revealed this week that his departure came with a surprising twist: the Ravens never even picked up the phone.
"I was surprised," Mitchell told reporters on Wednesday, his first public comments since the move. "I ain't gonna lie."
Mitchell explained that neither he nor his agent received any contact from Baltimore during free agency—a stark contrast to the promise he showed during his time with the team. Known for his explosive top-end speed, which ranked among the best in the NFL for running backs, Mitchell was a standout rookie before an injury derailed his 2024 season.
By 2025, he had bounced back, looking sharper and more explosive than during his recovery year. Still, that improvement wasn't enough to earn a call from the Ravens' new coaching staff, who took over this offseason and opted to reshape the roster in their image.
For Mitchell, the lack of interest stung, but it also opened the door to a fresh start in Los Angeles. Now, he'll line up behind rookie Omarion Hampton on the Chargers' depth chart—and you can bet he's eager to prove that Baltimore made a mistake.
Sometimes the best motivation comes from being overlooked. And for this speedster, the Chargers might just be the perfect stage for a comeback.
