Keaton Mitchell hits free agency after Ravens decline restricted tender this week

Running back keaton mitchell is set to become an unrestricted free agent this week after the Ravens decided not to extend him a restricted free agent tender. The move matters now because the decision removes the right-of-first-refusal option tied to the lowest tender level, which carries a $3. 52 million salary.

Ravens decision on Keaton Mitchell shifts his status immediately

Ravens officials declined to tender the three-year veteran, a step that would have kept him in restricted free agency and allowed the club to match an offer sheet. The lowest, right-of-first-refusal tender would have come with a $3. 52 million salary, but without that tender in place, Mitchell is positioned to test the market as an unrestricted free agent this week.

Mitchell’s Ravens production after arriving undrafted in 2023

Mitchell made the Ravens after going undrafted in 2023 and delivered early production before suffering a major injury. He ran 47 times for 396 yards and two touchdowns before tearing his ACL late in his rookie season. Mitchell later returned for five games in 2024, then logged 59 carries for 341 yards and a touchdown in 2025.

John Harbaugh connections raise Giants as a possible landing spot

One potential destination mentioned for keaton mitchell is the Giants, in part because multiple former Ravens assistant coaches followed John Harbaugh there. The Giants also made an early move in free agency to sign former Ravens players, a trend that could factor into Mitchell’s next steps as he looks to continue his NFL career in 2026.

Mitchell’s next confirmed milestone is his expected shift into unrestricted free agency this week, following the Ravens’ decision not to extend a restricted free agent tender at the $3. 52 million right-of-first-refusal level.