Ex-49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s appreciation for Raheem Mostert is not a secret.
The now-Miami Dolphins head coach has been a fan of the speedy running back since they met during McDaniel’s first season with the 49ers in 2017. Mostert flourished under the run game specialist’s tutelage.
In six seasons with the 49ers, Mostert carried the ball 337 times for 1,946 yards, 16 touchdowns and a whopping 5.7 yards average per carry. The only drawback is that in the past two seasons, the former special teams standout has only appeared in nine contests due to multiple injuries.
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The 29-year-old running back is set to be a free agent and his agent Brett Tessler reported in February that the 49ers have been in touch. Mostert will likely only be offered a one-year deal at a veteran league minimum because of his injury history and his age.
Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if McDaniel looked to Mostert to bolster the Miami roster to help take pressure off of third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a solid and productive run game. The former offensive coordinator knows exactly what the veteran can bring to the table.
On Monday, reports surfaced that the Dolphins had agreed to terms to bring Cardinals ball carrier Chase Edmonds to Miami on a two-year deal for $12.6 million. Similar to Mostert, Edmonds has been a solid contributor on the ground.
In his four seasons in Arizona, Edmonds registered 341 carries for 1,579 yards, nine touchdowns and a 4.7 yard average per carry. This could make signing Mostert less of a priority for the Dolphins.
Mostert has posted on social media that he is on track to return to full form following season-ending knee surgery last September. It remains to be seen if the veteran running back would prefer to stay in California where he knows the routine, ensuring a productive comeback season, or if a change of scenery be more inviting.
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Related: Lynch explains risk, reward of 49ers bringing back Mostert
The Dolphins are in desperate need of improving their run game that has been led by Myles Gaskin for two of the past three seasons. The University of Washington product is still under contract through the 2022 season, but adding Edmonds and Mostert could give the Dolphins a loaded backfield.
Over his three seasons with the Dolphins, Gaskin has averaged 3.8 yards per carry after carrying the ball 351 times for 1,329 yards and seven touchdowns. McDaniel’s run scheme and the addition of Mostert’s speed could be just what Miami needs.
The 49ers currently have Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon and JaMycal Hasty under contract for 2022.