Golden Nuggets: Ian Rapoport says 49ers, Raheem Mostert ‘in a lot better place’

Less than two weeks after requesting a trade, it looks like running back Raheem Mostert is trying to mend fences with the San Francisco 49ers. Mostert —who led all NFL running backs with 5.6 yards per attempt— asked for a raise on the just over $2.5 million he is due as his base salary in 2020.

The Niners haven’t rushed to figure things out with the 28-year-old, who is under contract through the 2021 season. But, with training camp just around the corner, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Mostert is trying to clear the air with the organization:

Rapoport joined KNBR for an interview and was asked about the matter. Here’s what he had to say:

“I know that he is someone they want to take care of and are willing to take care of in some form or fashion. I don’t know if they’re going to be able to do some sort of additional compensation, maybe it’s incentives, something to better account for the kind of production that they believe he is going to have. But this is a really smart organization. They usually do the right thing. I would imagine they’re going to be able to work something out, and this sort of trade request is going to, at some point, be something in the past.”

Hearing an NFL insider call the 49ers a “smart organization” is refreshing, considering where the franchise was after the 2016 season. I agree with Rapoport that general manager John Lynch and co. will do their best to find a resolution to get Mostert back into the fold sooner than later.

Despite making about $2 million less than fellow running back Tevin Coleman last season, there is no doubt Mostert outplayed the veteran. He beat Coleman in nearly every statistical category, including: rushing yards, yards per carry, touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage. Coleman did have seven more receptions, but him and Mostert were equal on total receiving yards at 180.

The issue is how much leverage Mostert has in the negotiations. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system doesn’t need a top-end back to make it successful. Alfred Morris and Devonta Freeman have looked like world beaters in Shanny’s system.

I do believe the two sides will get a deal done over the next couple of weeks. As Rapoport mentioned, the Niners may offer Mostert an incentive-laden deal that could see his contract value get closer to what Coleman is making.

If Mostert does get a new deal, how much do you think it will ultimately be worth?

On to some links:

Speaking of Mostert, it has been a couple of months in the making that he would ask for a raise. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner does a nice job of breaking down how the running back and 49ers came to this.

As mentioned about, Shanahan rarely has high-priced running backs on the roster. NBC Bay Area’s Josh Schrock wrote about Los Angeles Rams’ head coach Sean McVay saying he wants to use a similar approach with his backfield.

Kicker Robbie Gould was very reliable once he returned from injury last season. Fansided’s Akshaj Dwivedula looks at three burning questions facing the 49ers’ special teams unit in 2020.

K’Waun Williams had a strong season in 2019, with PFF ranking him and Richard Sherman as the best corner duo in the NFL. 49ers team reporter Keiana Martin looks at if Williams will make the leap and become a Pro Bowler next season.

There is no doubt that the loss of All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner hurts. Fansided’s Peter Panacy asks if the Niners will regret dealing Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts.

This NFL offseason has been like no other. Teams are facing unprecedented circumstances due to the pandemic, and it looks like it will now affect the on-field stuff as well. 49ers Web Zone’s David Bonilla looks at the latest proposal that would keep players out of pads until the 20th day of training camp.

Wide receiver has been the most talked about position when discussing the 49ers this offseason. Martin breaks down the group heading into the 2020 season. (49ers.com)