The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most skilled teams in the NFL and are seen as top contenders to win the Lombardi Trophy next February in New Orleans. However, it might be the right moment for General Manager John Lynch to eliminate some unnecessary elements.
In 2023, Christian McCaffrey emerged as a top contender for the MVP award due to his impressive performance as a running back. He is known for his explosive playmaking abilities, making him stand out among other players in the league. As a result, the opportunities for other running backs on the team are reduced. Will Elijah Mitchell be released by the San Francisco 49ers?
David Kenyon from Bleacher Report compiled a list predicting which player from each team is most likely to be released before the start of the 2024 NFL season in the fall. This list includes Elijah Mitchell, running back for the 49ers.
Kenyon highlights Elijah Mitchell’s impressive debut in the NFL, during which he accumulated 1,100 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns. However, injuries hindered his performance in 2022, leading him to have a backup role in 2023. The San Francisco team may decide to release Mitchell to make room for other running backs like Jordan Mason, Patrick Taylor Jr., as well as rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader. The running back position is one where teams typically look to have younger and less expensive players, and this is particularly important for a team like the 49ers, considering the amount of money they have already invested in McCaffrey.
The 49ers are aiming to create more financial flexibility to accommodate Brock Purdy’s upcoming contract extension by potentially releasing Mitchell, which could help in managing the cap effectively. Letting go of Mitchell would result in an additional $1.05 million in available cap space, but it would also lead to a dead-money charge of only $45,893. Moving on from Mitchell could provide the 49ers with an opportunity to acquire a younger and more cost-effective player, while also freeing up a roster spot for a higher-priority position.