One of the biggest topics during the Chicago Bears' bye week amongst fans was which running back the team should trade for. Names like Breece Hall and De'Von Achane have been the most talked-about players, and with both RBs still on their rookie deal, which the Bears would have the opportunity to extend them if they play well the rest of the season.
That said, there is another young, explosive running back who has flown under many people's radar: Baltimore Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell. Although the Ravens are 1-4, many still believe they can turn their season around. Even so, Mitchell is buried on the Ravens' depth chart, making him a prime trade target for general manager Ryan Poles & Co.
Bears Must Call Ravens About a Potential Keaton Mitchell Trade
Mitchell joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Despite the former East Carolina back not seeing the field for the first five weeks of his rookie season, he proved to be explosive when he finally saw the field. Mitchell had 47 attempts for 396 yards and two touchdowns in eight games.
He also recorded seven broken tackles and 14 forced missed tackles. The 23-year-old runner even showed his speed by tailing a rush of over 20-plus yards in each of his appearances as a rookie. Unfortunately, Mitchell suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 of Year 1, temporarily putting his career on hold.
That injury would sideline him for the first 10 weeks of the 2024 season. Upon his return, he had very little chance of seeing the field, given that Ravens RB1 Derrick Henry was putting together a great season. With Henry continuing to lead the charge, Baltimore's embarrassment of riches could benefit Chicago.
It doesn't help that other members of the Ravens’ crowded backfield also limit Mitchell's opportunities. Justice Hill currently holds the No. 2 spot, while Rasheen Ali sits just behind Mitchell. Ali also impressed during the preseason, further solidifying his standing with the team.
As a result, Mitchell's best bet to see the field might be a change of scenery, and Chicago would be the perfect place for that. With his impressive blend of speed and power, Mitchell could be the key to unlocking a Bears running game that hasn't gotten much from D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, and Roschon Johnson in 2025.
If he's acquired and performs well, Mitchell could be a building block in head coach Ben Johnson's backfield going forward, given that he doesn't turn 24 years old until January. Needless to say, Poles should be calling the Ravens front office before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.