The Miami Dolphins possess a wealth of offensive talent, headlined by the electrifying receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, their backfield, featuring Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane, also commands attention. Could Mostert’s tenure in Miami be nearing its end, prompting a potential trade request?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests this possibility, highlighting Achane’s potential to supplant Mostert as the primary running back. The Dolphins’ fourth-round selection of Jaylen Wright further strengthens this argument, potentially signaling a shift in the team’s backfield strategy. With these factors at play, Mostert’s future in Miami appears uncertain.
Miami Dolphins Running Back Raheem Mostert
Mostert is currently under contract through 2025, precluding him from entering free agency next offseason. Therefore, a departure from South Florida would necessitate a trade. Let’s delve into Mostert’s unique NFL journey and analyze the factors contributing to this potential trade scenario.
Raheem Mostert’s Unconventional NFL Path
Mostert’s NFL career began in 2015 as an undrafted free agent. He experienced several brief stints with various teams, including a short-lived signing with the Dolphins followed by a waiver the following month. It wasn’t until 2019, his third full season with the San Francisco 49ers, that Mostert began to receive significant playing time. He amassed 772 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued Mostert in 2020 and 2021, limiting him to just nine games combined. In 2022, he signed with the Miami Dolphins, marking a pivotal point in his career.
Mostert delivered a solid performance in his inaugural season with Miami, accumulating 891 rushing yards and three touchdowns with a 4.9 yards-per-carry average. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 31 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
His performance culminated in a breakout year in 2023. Mostert rushed for 1,012 yards and a league-leading 18 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
The Emergence of De’Von Achane
Despite Mostert’s success, the emergence of De’Von Achane introduces a compelling dynamic to the Dolphins’ backfield. Achane showcased remarkable potential in his rookie season, rushing for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in just 11 games, with an astounding 7.8 yards-per-carry average. Given Achane’s youth and explosive performance, Mostert’s role as the lead back may be jeopardized. This stark contrast in age and potential underscores the rationale behind a potential trade request from Mostert.
The combination of Achane’s rapid development, the drafting of Jaylen Wright, and Mostert’s desire for a prominent role creates a complex situation in Miami. While a trade remains speculative, the underlying factors suggest a plausible scenario where Mostert seeks a new opportunity to lead a team’s rushing attack. The upcoming season will undoubtedly shed light on the future of the Dolphins’ backfield and Mostert’s place within it.
