Keaton Mitchell: A Rising Star the Ravens Almost Traded?
It seems the Baltimore Ravens might have almost let go of a hidden gem! Reports indicate that teams were actively calling about a trade for running back Keaton Mitchell before the trade deadline. Let's dive into this intriguing situation.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, several teams reached out to the Ravens to discuss a potential trade involving Mitchell. But, Baltimore, having already been involved in three in-season trades, ultimately decided to keep him. This decision meant Mitchell remained with the team for the crucial final stretch of the 2025 season.
Mitchell, a third-year player, has shown flashes of brilliance, catching the eye of many. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent. After a slow start to his rookie year, he exploded onto the scene, racking up 489 scrimmage yards on just 56 touches and scoring two touchdowns. Unfortunately, an ACL tear cut short his impressive 2023 season. He returned to action last year, appearing in only five games.
Leading the Ravens' backfield is the veteran Derrick Henry, who signed an extension in the offseason. Henry has been a workhorse, receiving at least 10 carries in almost every game this season. With Justice Hill on the injured reserve due to a neck injury, Mitchell has the opportunity to be Baltimore's primary change-of-pace back.
Mitchell's recent performance includes a touchdown in the Ravens' Thanksgiving loss and a 55-yard run. In his short NFL career, he has only had 93 carries, but he boasts an impressive average of 7.0 yards per attempt. Maintaining this level of efficiency will be a challenge, but Mitchell is poised to remain a valuable asset for the Ravens.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mitchell is a pending restricted free agent. This means that if the Ravens don't offer him a contract, other teams could swoop in and sign him. The most likely scenario is that the Ravens will offer him a contract, which would give them the right to match any offer he receives from other teams. It's also possible that another team could make a trade offer for Mitchell.
What do you think? Did the Ravens make the right decision by keeping Mitchell? Could he become a star elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments!
