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Why the 49ers Might Re-Sign RB Elijah Mitchell

It'll be difficult for 49ers free agent running back Elijah Mitchell to find suitors given his injury history.
Jose Sanchez|
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey is the only running back the San Francisco 49ers have rostered for 2025.

Every other running back is in line to become a free agent in March. That includes forgotten running back Elijah Mitchell. His season ended before it started due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery. The 49ers sure would've loved to have him last season.

Unfortunately, they cannot look forward to his bounce-back season. He will be a free agent soon and can find himself a new team. However, the 49ers might re-sign Mitchell. I think it is something they would like to do.

He won't cost the 49ers much even with Mitchell going on the open market. It'll be difficult for Mitchell to find suitors given his injury history. If he does, it won't be for much. The only team who will have no problem with his injuries is the 49ers.

Re-signing him will give the 49ers needed depth behind McCaffrey. Plus, Mitchell might be the direct backup to McCaffrey again. Jordan Mason might sign with another team despite being a restricted free agent.

If that happens, it will only increase the likelihood of Mitchell returning. He might end up with no other choice but to return to the 49ers on a minimum deal. Only the 49ers can appreciate his skills the most and tolerate his injury history.

It makes sense for Mitchell to want to return as well. The contract won't be adequate, but this is his chance to build up his value. The chances of McCaffrey missing games in 2025 are more likely than not. Mitchell just saw how Mason thrived in his spot starts.

That can end up being him in 2025. Either way, his options are extremely limited. I think he ends up back with the 49ers on a one-year deal for the minimum or slightly above that.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE SANCHEZ

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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