Dolphins giving their key offensive weapon a well-deserved extension

Coming off by far the most productive season of his career, Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert has been rewarded with a revised contract. Team and player have agreed to a new deal which includes one year being added onto the existing pact, as announced by agent Brett Tessler.

Mostert will now be on the books through the 2025 season. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the pact has a maximum value of just over $9M. That represents a significant raise compared to his previously scheduled compensation for 2024, while ensuring the Pro Bowler remains in Miami for at least two more years.

The 31-year-old was due to earn $2.75M this season, which would have represented a bargain for the Dolphins considering his play last year. His $3.36M cap charge will be lowered, per the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. Mostert topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2023, and he led the NFL with 18 touchdowns on the ground. He added another three scores in the passing game, proving to be a key weapon in Miami’s No. 1-ranked offense.

Mostert was among the league’s journeymen at the running back spot prior to his lengthy 49ers tenure. In San Francisco, he operated in a rotational role while showing efficiency in Kyle Shanahan‘s scheme. During his time in the Bay Area, the former UDFA also worked with Mike McDaniel, and the pair continued their relationship with Miami in 2022. That year, Mostert ran for 891 yards, earning him a new deal as a result.

The Dolphins continued a committee approach heading into 2023, but rookie De’Von Achane proved to be worthy of a large role when healthy. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry, showing his high-end speed in the process; Mostert, by contrast, checked in with an average of 4.8 yards per attempt. That essentially matches his mark from the previous season, so despite his age a renewed commitment should not be considered a particularly risky move on the team’s part.

In addition to Mostert and Achane, Miami has Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed under contract in the backfield. Each of the latter two backs are only on the books for 2024, though, and neither would incur a notable dead cap charge if traded or released this offseason. While they face an uncertain future, the top of the Dolphins’ RB depth chart will be secure for two more seasons.