By Sunday 
A Potential Reunion in San Francisco?
Elijah Mitchell’s future in the NFL is uncertain, but a return to the San Francisco 49ers remains a strong possibility. As the team’s only running back under contract for 2025, Christian McCaffrey will need reliable depth behind him, and Mitchell could be the most logical option.
The 49ers have seen firsthand what Mitchell brings to the table when healthy. However, injuries have significantly impacted his career, making it difficult for him to find suitors in free agency. Given these circumstances, a reunion between the 49ers and Mitchell makes a lot of sense—for both sides.
A Limited Market for Mitchell
Despite his talent, Mitchell’s injury history will likely limit his free-agent opportunities. His 2024 season never even got off the ground due to a hamstring injury that required surgery. With teams hesitant to invest in a player with durability concerns, his market value is expected to be low.
That reality makes San Francisco the most logical destination. The 49ers are already familiar with his injury history and, more importantly, they know what he can do when healthy. Other teams may shy away, but San Francisco could be willing to take another chance—especially if the price is right.
San Francisco’s Need for Depth
McCaffrey has been the heart of the 49ers’ backfield, but relying solely on him for another full season isn’t a sustainable strategy. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the team saw in 2024 how valuable depth can be.
Jordan Mason, another key contributor, is set to be a restricted free agent. While the 49ers could retain him, there’s a chance another team will offer him a deal the 49ers won’t match. If Mason departs, bringing back Mitchell becomes even more crucial.
Mitchell has already proven he can be a reliable backup to McCaffrey. If he stays healthy, he could reclaim that role in 2025.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
From a financial standpoint, re-signing Mitchell would be a low-risk move. Given his injury concerns, he isn’t likely to command a significant contract. The 49ers could bring him back on a one-year deal at or slightly above the league minimum.
For Mitchell, returning to San Francisco would be a chance to rebuild his value. McCaffrey’s physical running style increases the likelihood that he could miss some time, opening the door for Mitchell to step in. He just saw how Jordan Mason thrived in limited opportunities—there’s no reason he couldn’t do the same in 2025.
A Likely Outcome
Mitchell’s free agency options will be limited, and the 49ers have a clear need for running back depth. A one-year, team-friendly deal makes sense for both sides. If he can stay healthy and contribute, it could be a win-win scenario.
At the end of the day, the 49ers might be the only team willing to overlook his injury history and appreciate what he brings to the field. That could be enough to bring Elijah Mitchell back to San Francisco for another season.