Raheem Mostert asked for a raise and the 49ers refused. Or said nothing. Or put its reminder on hold. Anyway, they didn’t give Mostert more money. We know it.
And now?
Let’s look at it from Mostert’s point of view. I didn’t tell him about it, but it’s easy to see where it came from.
Mostert turned 28 in April. He is not young and ball carriers have a short lifespan because they suffer so much punishment every time they touch the ball. His career could end at any time. He needs this increase.
In five seasons in the NFL, six teams have eliminated Mostert. He earned $ 4.4 million – not much for a five-year-old vet. And after federal taxes, California taxes, and agent fees, Mostert likely kept half that amount. He signed his first multi-year contract extension in 2019 because he played so well in special teams and the 49ers rewarded him for that. He will earn $ 2.9 million per season until 2022.
But now he’s the leader of the 49ers, and he’s excellent. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry last season – more than any other NFL ball carrier. And he scored 15 touchdowns, including the playoff games. If I were Mostert, I would have the impression of having graduated after a simple special team contract.
Mostert has no guaranteed money remaining in his agreement. This means that if he suffers from an injury ending his career during training camp – which is quite common for back runners – the 49ers could cut him off and pay him nothing. And then Mostert should become a real estate agent or a car salesman. He is not ready for life.
Why would the 49ers cause Mostert to worry about this scenario? Why not give him security, make him want? He deserved it.
Mostert played so hard for the 49ers last season. Put his body in danger even if he had no long-term financial protection. And they wouldn’t have made the Super Bowl without him. He sometimes carried them and was their best player in the NFC championship game, when he ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns.
And since 2015, Mostert has risen through the ranks of the training team player, special team stars and top five NFL potentials. These are the kinds of player teams that should be dealt with.
And taking care of Mostert wouldn’t cost the 49ers dear. Running backs are cheap, and I doubt Mostert wants to be the highest paid running back in the NFL. But he deserves to be the highest paid ball carrier on his own team. Tevin Coleman currently earns $ 4.25 million per season, 1.35 million more than Mostert. Not true. Not fair. Not only. Coleman is relentlessly mediocre. He averaged just 4 yards per rush last season.
Mostert also deserves to be one of the 20 highest paid players of the 49ers in terms of average salary. He currently ranks 21st behind players such as Solomon Thomas and Robbie Gould. Not true. Not fair. Not only.
The 49ers should pay Mostert at least $ 5 million a season, roughly what they pay Kyle Juszczyk. Both are integral to the success of the offense. And if the 49ers have to create ceiling space to pay Mostert, they can still lower Coleman and free up $ 2.55 million. Coleman is replaceable.
If I were Mostert, I would like the 49ers to succeed.
If they are unsuccessful, Mostert may request an exchange. Or he could hang on. Or he could withdraw completely from the 2020 season and say that his current contract does not give him enough incentive to play during a global pandemic and risks spreading Covid to his wife and children.
Losing Mostert would seriously jeopardize the 49ers’ chances of winning the Super Bowl next season. He is one of their most important players. They need him.
If I were Mostert, I would hold out. I bet I would.
Is not it?
