Not exactly the contract news 49ers fans were hoping for before training camp begins at the end of the month. Raheem Mostert, one of the best storylines from the 2019 season, has requested a trade from the 49ers after “unproductive” negotiations over his remaining contract, per his agent.
After months of unproductive talks with the 49ers about fairly adjusting Raheem Mostert's contract (which paid him for special teams) we have requested a trade. Disappointing that it would come to this for a guy who led all NFL RBs in YPC & helped lead them to the Super Bowl.
— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) July 8, 2020
The journeyman running back burst onto the scene in the second half of the 2019 season, carrying the 49ers throughout the playoffs.
Mostert began his 49ers career as a special teams standout before crashing the running back rotation and sweeping into the starting role.
In 2020, Mostert is owed $2.575 million and $2.875 million in 2021 before becoming an unrestricted free agent. This is speculation, but an argument could be made for Mostert making at least $5 to 6 million per season, which would place him near the top 10 in the league.
Spoke with @TesslerSports about RB Raheem Mostert and his trade demand from #49ers. His request was simply to bring Mostert in line with the highest paid RBs on the team. Tevin Coleman makes $4.55M in 2020 and that’s where Mostert wants to be. He has two years left on his deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 8, 2020
The 49ers have a lot on their plate as they try to land a contract extension with All-Pro tight end George Kittle. Mostert and the 49ers have been in talks regarding his contract situation for months, and it may have been put on the back burner for the time being due to more pressing negotiations.
After trading Matt Breida to the Miami Dolphins during the NFL Draft, Mostert was expected to be the team’s go-to back this season. In 2019, Mostert rushed for 772 yards on 137 attempts (5.6 yards/attempt) while scoring 10 total touchdowns. His season was capped off by a 220-yard, four-touchdown performance in the NFC Championship Game.
If the 49ers do trade Mostert, per his request, they are left with veteran running back Tevin Coleman, Jeff Wilson Jr., rookie Jamycal Hasty, and Jerick McKinnon, who has yet to see the field since joining the team in 2018.
Mostert was expected to be a big part of the 49ers offense this season, and losing him would be a significant loss for Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the 49ers offense.