INDIANAPOLIS -- There’s no doubt that Raheem Mostert would be a key contributor to the 49ers' offense if he re-signed for the 2022 season.
However, John Lynch also sees risk.
The 49ers' general manager spoke to reporters Wednesday while at the NFL Scouting Combine, and shared that he would love to see the veteran running back on the roster, but is also very aware of Mostert’s injury history.
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The 29-year old was a large part of 49ers' Super Bowl campaign in 2019, appearing in all 16 regular-season games and the entire postseason. Mostert turned in an unforgettable performance in the NFC Championship Game carrying the ball 29 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over the Green Bay Packers
But since the close of the 2019 season, Mostert has only appeared in nine games and is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the league year.
“You can’t deny a couple of things, the talent, the speed,” Lynch said on Wednesday.
Lynch detailed how the 49ers' scouting department will research the speeds of players through the use of GPS trackers in their evaluation process.
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“They will say, ‘This guy ran 22.8 [mph], do you know how fast that is?” Lynch said. “Not as fast as Raheem with the ball in his hands. As fast as the fastest players we talk about, what Raheem did at the New York Jets a couple of years ago, I think he ran 23 [mph] with the ball in his hands. It just blows my mind.”
As much as Lynch admires the skill set of his running back, the GM is an adamant believer in the saying, "a player’s best ability is his availability.”
While attending the 49ers' NFC Championship Game loss to the Rams this past season, Mostert reported that his rehabilitation from a knee cartilage repair procedure was going well. But history speaks for itself.
“The other thing you can’t deny is the there’s been a lot of injuries,” Lynch said. “It’s high risk, but I think there’s high reward too. I’m sure a lot of teams are thinking about that too. I know how fond [Miami Dolphins head coach] Mike McDaniel was of him.”
Mostert’s agent, Brett Tessler, shared that the 49ers have “been in touch,” but offered no other details. Until the ball carrier officially becomes a free agent, any other discussions with team personnel about interest are not allowed.
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Considering Mostert’s age and history, a one-year deal is a likely outcome heading into 2022. Staying with the 49ers could be an attractive option for the veteran who has spent six seasons with the club.
“A lot of teams are going to be faced with that because the speed and the talent is undeniable,” Lynch said. “He’s a great guy on top of it so you’re always pulling for him. I think it has to be at this point, a bonus if you’re going to do that but we’ve seen what he can do for us when he’s healthy.”
Rookie Elijah Mitchell led the 49ers with 207 carries for 963 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, and will look to be complemented by Trey Sermon next season.
Jeff Wilson Jr. and Trenton Cannon are both free agents while JaMycal Hasty is set to become an exclusive rights free agent.