Reasons for and against 49ers re-signing RB Raheem Mostert

Why 49ers should re-sign Raheem Mostert

Again, it’s easier to describe the many reasons why the 49ers shouldn’t retain Mostert, who’ll likely be seeking the final significant payout of his NFL career during the offseason.

But there might actually be some value in re-signing him in NFL free agency anyway.

Sure, Mostert has an injury history. Yet the same can unfortunately be said of Elijah Mitchell, who already missed six regular-season games with various injury setbacks his rookie season, and it’s fair to wonder whether or not Mitchell will be another one of those injury-prone runners who aren’t always available to Kyle Shanahan and Co.

Second-year running back JaMycal Hasty, scantly used on offense and usually a reserve return specialist, is an exclusive-rights free agent, so he’ll be back but can’t be pegged as a reliable depth option. Fellow running back Jeff Wilson Jr. is a restricted free agent, and it’s unclear if the Niners want to dish out a tender on him anyway.

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And with 2021 rookie runner Trey Sermon cast to the back end of the depth chart, the 2022 running back room looks notably thin for San Francisco behind Mitchell.

While the 49ers may entertain using yet another late-round NFL Draft pick this year on a running back, other pressing needs elsewhere on the roster suggest that’d be a luxury type of pick.

Mostert, despite being up there in age, still has elusive speed and a full understanding of Shanahan’s offense. In tandem with Mitchell, the Niners would have a one-two punch, and Mostert’s presence could potentially mean less of a dependence on wide receiver Deebo Samuel to be a massive contributor on the ground, lessening the exposure and risk of injury to one of San Francisco’s most important players.