Ravens Elevate Zaire Mitchell-Paden Ahead of Season Opener Against Bills
Baltimore, MD — September 6, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have made a strategic roster move ahead of their highly anticipated Sunday night clash against the Buffalo Bills, elevating tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad to the active roster.
With injuries sidelining key players—Isaiah Likely (foot) and Patrick Ricard (calf)—Mitchell-Paden steps in to bolster the tight end unit behind Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar. The 26-year-old Maryland native, who spent most of the 2024 season on the Ravens’ practice squad, now has a chance to make his NFL regular season debut.
Mitchell-Paden entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2022 and previously spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. During the 2025 preseason, he recorded one catch for 11 yards, showcasing glimpses of his athletic potential.
The Ravens opted not to elevate rookie fullback Lucas Scott, leaving Mitchell-Paden as the key reinforcement for a depleted offensive lineup. With the spotlight on Sunday night football, Mitchell-Paden’s elevation could be a pivotal moment in his journey from undrafted hopeful to NFL contributor.
