The Los Angeles Chargers or Baltimore Ravens may trade for 1,100-yard running back, Elijah Mitchell this upcoming season. According to a report, the veteran running back may be on the trade block since one ESPN source believes that the 49ers should trade him to the Dallas Cowboys. There has been a lot of chatter surrounding the Brandon Aiyuk situation but rumors may heat up again for Mitchell, entering this season with many players in the backfield. The 49ers have been active this offseason after drafting Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader and signing veteran Matt Breida.
San Francisco now has a lot of weapons in the backfield to use which could spell some trouble for Mitchell who still looks to be the No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey. In three seasons, Mitchell was able to rack up 1,523 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns so it isn’t the lack of production since he’s still a solid backup for any team. It seems like the 49ers are taking another route in their backfield to help supply McCaffrey but Mitchell easily becomes a trade value if the team decides to move on. Mitchell is entering the final year of his contract where the 49ers could decide to get something in return before he hits the market next offseason.
They probably won’t want to trade Mitchell being that McCaffrey is getting older and may demand a big contract before he retires. However, no one should count out a Mitchell if they can get some picks in return since teams like the Chargers may need one if Gus Edwards or J.K. Dobbins cracks again with injuries. The same goes for the Ravens who may have Derrick Henry but they don’t have a healthy Keaton Mitchell ready.
Chargers, Ravens May Trade for 1,100-Yard Running Back Elijah Mitchell
Other Potential Trade Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco is aiming to be one of the best running backs today and has been a massive help for Patrick Mahomes. However, there’s always room for improvement in the backfield for Clyde Edwards-Helaire since they’re not bringing back Jerick McKinnon after having a better season than him. The Chiefs need someone as the backup that can be ready for the consistent full-time starting role and Edwards-Helaire hasn’t been able to show that. Kansas City is one injury from a running back disaster so they might as take a risk to give up a few picks to bring in Mitchell on a two-year deal.
McKinnon is always available for cheaper and on the free agency list but it doesn’t seem like they’re bringing him back. Mitchell is probably their best option since he would probably invest going into a team like this being that they’re heading for their third Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have all the eggs in the basket to go on a legit playoff run with second-year quarterback Bryce Young. They were able to draft one of the most promising running back prospects, Jonathon Brooks but with Rashaad Penny retiring, they could use one more short-term weapon. Brooks may find himself as the starter one day over Chuba Hubbard which would spell trouble for Miles Sanders so they’ll likely trade him if they don’t see any improvement from him. This leaves the depth a bit shifty so Mitchell could be that reliable backup to step in whenever the team needs it to go in for a few snaps.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints offense doesn’t look like a team that wants to win many games this upcoming season. Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and Rashid Shaheed are the only weapons on paper that might be promising. However, they should start stocking up on running backs so at least they can rely on the run game to give Derek Carr more of a chance in the end zone. Mitchell would be the perfect combination for Kamara since they have similar characteristics with their speed abilities.
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