OPINION: The Atlanta Falcons Should Want Raheem Mostert, But He Shouldn’t Want Them Back
If I’m Thomas Dimitroff, the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, I’m calling the San Francisco 49ers and asking their price for Raheem Mostert right now.
Actually, forget “right now.” I’m contacting them, like, yesterday.
But if I’m Raheem Mostert, the 49ers’ running back who demanded a trade earlier this month, I’m doing the opposite — avoiding Atlanta and phoning San Francisco executives to make up.
Since Mostert requested a trade, some NFL analysts suggested the Falcons would be a perfect match for the 28-year-old.
Atlanta would surely benefit from having him, but he’s better off in the Bay Area.
THE FALCONS SHOULD PURSUE RAHEEM MOSTERT
I know what you’re thinking.
Yes, the Falcons already added a starting running back this offseason. Todd Gurley inked a one-year deal to try to reclaim his former all-pro glory.
But Gurley has an arthritic knee and set career lows in carries (223) and yards (857) last season.
Now, he’s being tasked with fixing a broken rushing attack that ranked 27th and 30th in yards per game the past two seasons.
Mostert would be the ideal insurance policy in case Gurley falls injured or declines even more.
Ito Smith and Brian Hill return as the two main substitutes in the backfield. Both have flashed potential as complimentary pieces, but neither have carried a sizable load since entering the league.
If Gurley gets hurt this season and Smith and Hill are thrust into primary action, Atlanta’s offense is stuck in the same position as last year — Matt Ryan shouldering all the team’s hopes on his right arm.
But, poof.
That worry disappears with Mostert, who stepped into an injured Matt Breida’s role last season and starred down the stretch.
Mostert blew away his previous career marks in 2019, turning in 137 carries for 772 yards and eight scores. In January’s NFC Championship game, he sent the Green Packers home with a 220-yard, four-touchdown performance.
If Gurley goes down, Mostert would be fine sliding into his spot.
But if Gurley stays healthy, Mostert also thrives working in a committee. He began 2019 as the third running back in the San Francisco pecking order, behind Breida and former Falcon Tevin Coleman. That didn’t prevent him from having breakout games, like a Week Two victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He tallied 83 rushing yards and 68 receiving yards despite playing only 46% of the 49ers’ offensive snaps.
Mostert’s presence would allow Gurley to take more frequent breathers, keeping him fresh. The combo would certainly boost the Falcons’ rushing attack.
Think Devonta Freeman and Coleman in 2016.
RAHEEM MOSTERT SHOULD AVOID A TRADE TO ATLANTA
Mostert is not going to find a better situation than he has in San Francisco.
Right now, he slots in as the starting running back on a ground-heavy, Super Bowl-contending team. His head coach and play-caller, Kyle Shanahan, is viewed as one of the brightest offensive minds in the league. His offensive line remains solid.
Mostert’s only complaint and the reason for his trade request?
Money.
That’s the one problem Atlanta can fix.
While the Falcons possess only $11 million in cap space, they can easily double Mostert’s $3-million salary this year and still stash some cash for in-season acquisitions.
But that’s where the list of upgrades ends for Mostert in Atlanta.
He would sit behind Todd Gurley on a pass-happy offense instead of being the bell cow of a unit. He would be on a fringe playoff-contender instead of an NFC powerhouse. His play-caller, Dirk Koetter, is viewed as uninspiring. His offensive line would remain a question mark.
No, he isn’t slated to make starting-running-back money in San Francisco, but otherwise, he can’t fuss about much.
He should stay and try to sprint the 49ers back to the Super Bowl, regardless of whether the Falcons come calling.
Money can’t buy happiness, you know.
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