3 burning questions for 49ers running backs in 2020

No. 3: How Do 49ers Handle Raheem Mostert?

Raheem Mostert’s trade request throws in a big wrinkle into the Niners’ offseason plans.

Well, sort of.

Essentially, San Francisco has three viable options here with which to work:

1. Do nothing, let Mostert sit out or play
2. Honor Mostert’s trade request
3. Rework Mostert’s contract amicably

The 49ers are in prime position to take the first route. Mostert broke onto the scene late in 2019, but before that, he was primarily known solely as a special teams ace and seldom-used backup running back. Plus, with two years remaining on his deal, the Niners would be setting a bad precedent by bending to his demands with a contract reworking.

There are the possibilities on the trade market, yes. And it’s not out of the question the 49ers consider “selling high” on Mostert’s most recent success.

Or San Francisco could do right by Mostert, who could earn up to $6.67 million over the next two years. Converting some of his base salary into a roster bonus, prorated out the remaining two years, would give Mostert some of that security he’s asking for.

Perhaps that’s the route the Niners take, although one can fairly ask why it hasn’t been done yet if it’s so easy.

Either way, Mostert’s situation isn’t likely to die down anytime soon, so it remains a massive question heading towards training camp.