Former sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell recorded 1,100 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, but the 49ers could look to trade him after just three seasons. Despite defying all odds in Year 1, injuries and the presence of star running back Christian McCaffrey have limited him to just 16 games and 581 yards of scrimmage over the past two seasons. Last year was particularly worrisome for the veteran, as he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry despite playing in a system famous for boosting running back production.
Now entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers could trade or even cut Elijah Mitchell. One Bleacher Report article suggests cutting the veteran, but it’s hard to envision Kyle Shanahan and company parting ways with him for nothing. Few organizations are stronger believers in the importance of running backs, so they won’t part ways with him without a return. However, he could be available for the right price.
49ers Might Consider An Elijah Mitchell Trade
Despite the lack of production, the 49ers still used Mitchell as Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup. The All-Pro led the team with 1,459 rushing yards, but Mitchell was second on the club with 288. Injuries are inevitable in the physical sport of football, and McCaffrey is getting older and has an extensive list of ailments. Nobody can replicate McCaffrey’s production, but Elijah Mitchell is the second-best back on this roster, and the 49ers won’t want to trade a player like him.
However, the 49ers desperately need more young talent. San Francisco mortgaged their ability to build around young, cost-controlled talent when they traded up for Trey Lance, and now the bill has come due. Seeing as Mitchell is soon due for a new contract, the 49ers might value four years of a cost-controlled rookie over one year of a backup running back. Only time will tell if a trade happens, but these five teams should be interested in Elijah Mitchell.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to win games by running the ball early and often. Unfortunately, his running backs are Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Edwards had a fine season last year, but Dobbins is coming off a serious Achilles injury. Elijah Mitchell is probably better than both of these players and could be a key part of this rotation. Given how much Harbaugh values the position, he should be willing to trade a late-round pick for Elijah Mitchell as he tries to build the team in his image.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys watched Tony Pollard sign with the Tennessee Titans and have done nothing to replace him. 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott is currently atop the depth chart, with Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman fighting for backup work. Running back isn’t the most important position in the league, but this isn’t good enough for a team trying to capitalize on what could be the last year Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons all wear the same jersey. An Elijah Mitchell trade could go a long way in securing the backfield and giving Dallas a reliable presence on the ground.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco is a solid starter, but the rest of the Chiefs running back depth chart leaves something to be desired. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has proven time and time again that he can’t handle full-time work, while Keontay Ingram and Deneric Prince are nothing more than practice squad-caliber players. Kansas City is one injury away from complete disaster in their backfield, but they can fortify this weakness with an Elijah Mitchell trade. Seeing as they’re going for their third Super Bowl win in as many years, they should be able to justify this type of short-term investment.
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is one of the best in the business, but he’s only one man. The four-time Pro Bowler and human battering ram is one of the few players capable of handling 300 touches per season, but nobody can handle 100% of the work. With Keaton Mitchell still recovering from his knee injury, Baltimore should consider an Elijah Mitchell trade. The fourth-year running back can be a much-needed insurance policy for Henry and should be effective with opposing defenses focusing in on Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers landed the best running back in the 2024 NFL Draft with Jonathon Brooks. While the Texas product will eventually earn the starting job in this offense, somebody must start in the short term. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL and probably won’t be 100% for the start of the regular season. Even if he is good to go, the rookie will miss the vast majority of the offseason program and will need time to adjust to life in the NFL. An Elijah Mitchell trade will give Carolina their short-term starter while also improving the RB2 position once Brooks gets up to speed.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
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