3 surprise cuts the 49ers could make this offseason

2. RB Raheem Mostert

Mostert emerged down the stretch during the 49ers’ Super Bowl run, as he averaged 5.9 yards per carry over the final five regular season games and had a big game in the NFC Championship Game (220 yards, four touchdowns). So it wasn’t too surprising when he asked to be traded in an attempt to have his contract adjusted, and the the 49ers placated the situation by restructuring his contract.

But don’t confuse a restructure with an extension. Mostert battled a litany of injuries last season (knee, ankle, concussion), on his way to only playing just eight games. He is still entering the final year of his contract in 2021, with a $2.975 million base salary and a $3.6 million cap number. Cutting him would create $3.15 million in cap room.

The 49ers could refurbish their running back mix this offseason. Tevin Coleman will be a free agent, and moving on from Jerick McKinnon will not be punitive ($2 million in dead money). Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMychal Hasty would be left as the top three backs in the likely scenario Coleman and McKinnon are gone.

Kyle Shanahan is firmly committed to carrying on his father’s legacy as a liberal rotator of running backs. On that note Mostert is not expensive, but he’s also not a special back that’s immune to being cut.