Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

'More Speed': Los Angeles Chargers Add RB With 6.3 Career YPA

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 12:22 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers aim for better health at the running back position after a season decimated by injuries. Najee Harris tore his Achilles in Week 3, while Omarion Hampton missed eight games due to a left ankle fracture and right ankle injury. The Chargers had to rely on Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Jaret Patterson to carry the workload, while Vidal and Patterson were retained, and Haskins remains a free agent.

The Los Angeles Chargers add an RB with 6.3 career yards per attempt

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Chargers have signed Keaton Mitchell to a two-year, $9.25 million contract, with a maximum value of $11.25 million and $5 million in guaranteed money. He is a speedy running back, running a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and averaging a staggering 6.3 career yards per attempt in the NFL. Mitchell is over two years removed from tearing his ACL in December 2023 and has no long-term concerns with his speed.

Keaton Mitchell signing with the Chargers for two years and $9.25M with $5M guaranteed, per source. Max value of $11.25M.

More speed for Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/ToeY85yGCi

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) after the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Keaton Mitchell was a healthy scratch in the first month of his third season, but took over as the secondary kick returner and later saw an increased offensive role after Justice Hill’s injury. He totaled 341 yards on 5.8 yards per attempt and one score on the ground, plus nine receptions for 63 yards across 13 games and 132 offensive snaps, and 22 kick returns for 591 yards. The Ravens declined to place a restricted free-agent tender on Mitchell, which made him an unrestricted free agent.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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