Despite signing with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the former San Francisco 49er Elijah Mitchell could be on the trade block during the 2025 regular season. One source believes the running back may be on the trade block as the Chiefs have too many backfield pieces on their roster. Between Isiah Pacheco, veteran Kareem Hunt and 2025 draft pick Brashard Smith, the Chiefs indeed have too many options to work with, so there is a legitimate chance that the team might not use all of their runners on the roster. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Louisiana product was hoping to carve out a backup role behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, recording 207 carries for 963 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
However, he was never able to win the job due to the emergence of the former 49er Jordan Mason; Mitchell hasn’t been able to make the cut. This wasn’t the only issue, as injuries caught up to him the following sophomore year and sealed out his campaign with the 49ers last year; it’s no surprise the team didn’t re-sign him this offseason. Mitchell might not excel in this running unit in Kansas City, considering they already have too many running backs, so it might be best to use him as trade bait during the season. The running back won’t garner the best suitors, but these four teams could use another backfield piece.
Former 49er Elijah Mitchell Could Be On the Trade Block? – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Why not? The Dallas Cowboys already have one of the worst running back units in football. 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue is the only promising runner between Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. This isn’t to say they don’t have a chance, but they’re past their prime. Elijah Mitchell might not make much of an impact, but he does have the speed to turn into at least a capable backup if Blue lives up to the hype.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens aren’t desperate for a running back, but could use another one in the future. Despite extending Derrick Henry’s contract, he doesn’t have a lot of years ahead of him. This is why the Ravens are placing their faith in Keaton Mitchell to somehow pull it together coming off a season-ending injury. However, Elijah Mitchell has more experience in this situation to potentially take over this run game once Henry retires.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints may likely be reliant on their run game to make plays down the stretch since they’re without an adequate quarterback. Between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, there’s no real chance for any of these quarterbacks to swing it in the air as often. The Saints signed Cam Akers to salvage the running back room, but he’s hit away from an injury as he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in recent memory. Even though they have one of the fastest running backs in Alvin Kamara, he could use some help from a backup, and Mitchell might finally spark a part of the New Orleans offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants this team to keep running the football for years to come. While they signed Najee Harris this free agency, the team is just testing the waters alongside 2025 first-round draft pick, Omarion Hampton. Mitchell could be a solid backup if Hampton winds up being impressive, since Harris is already in a few trade rumors.
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