49ersn Set To Part Ways With Running Back As…

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell could be on the trade block, as teams needing running backs may look to acquire the veteran.

Former sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell had 1,100 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, but the 49ers may want to trade him after only three seasons. Despite overcoming the odds in Year 1, injuries and the presence of standout running back Christian McCaffrey have limited him to only 16 games and 581 yards from scrimmage over the last two seasons. Last season was especially concerning for the veteran, as he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry despite playing in a scheme known for increasing running back performance.

The 49ers could trade or cut Elijah Mitchell, who is nearing the final year of his contract. One Bleacher Report story advises cutting the veteran, but it’s difficult to imagine Kyle Shanahan and company parting ways with him for nothing. Few organizations place a higher value on running backs, so they will not release him without a return. However, he may be available for the right price.

49ers Might Consider An Elijah Mitchell Trade

Despite the lack of production, the 49ers kept Mitchell as Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup. The All-Pro led the team with 1,459 rushing yards, while Mitchell finished second with 288. Injuries are unavoidable in the physically demanding sport of football, and McCaffrey is growing older and has a long list of injuries. Nobody can equal McCaffrey’s output, but Elijah Mitchell is the 49ers’ second-best running back, and they won’t want to sell him.

However, the 49ers are desperate for more fresh talent. San Francisco traded up for Trey Lance, putting their ability to develop around young, cost-controlled players at risk, and the bill has finally arrived. Given that Mitchell is about to sign a new contract, the 49ers may prefer four years of a cost-controlled rookie to one year of a backup running back. Only time will tell whether a trade occurs, 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 attempts 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 great 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 defend this type of short-term investment.

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry is one of the best in the business, but he is 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 traded 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.