5 players 49ers should put on the trade block entering 2024 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers trade candidate No. 2: RB Elijah Mitchell
Prior to the arrival of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2022, San Francisco never settled on a long-term running back.
In 2021, then-rookie tailback Elijah Mitchell set a franchise record for a first-year player by rushing for 963 yards, which made him look as if he'd be the answer at the position for years to come. But injuries kept him from reaching his full potential, particularly in 2022 when he was limited to a mere five games.
Now a backup to McCaffrey with fellow reserve halfback Jordan Mason looking over his shoulder, Mitchell is an oft-injured commodity with a speedy upside when healthy. Following the 49ers' offseason free-agent pickup of former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr., the depth chart is already crowded enough heading into draft month.
Should the Niners be eyeing another running back, Mitchell becomes even less an important part of the roster.
San Francisco won't get much in return, no. Perhaps a late-round pick at best.
But that's better than merely letting him go if there are better options available.