San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert spoke with reporters for 20 minutes today via a video conference call. The running back has a reworked contract that he is more comfortable with, and plans to play this season, even amid a pandemic.
It wasn't an easy decision, though. Much discussion, and even a few tears, went into it (more on that here).
Mostert, however, feels it was best for his family. He is, after all, its provider. And now, he can make more money in the process.
There had been reports that the running back wanted more money following a breakout year during which he became a featured component of the 49ers' No. 2 ranked rushing attack. Mostert is no longer primarily a special-teams contributor. He is a featured back.
Mostert wasn't, however, the highest-paid running back on the roster. It wasn't even close. So, negotiations ensued and, eventually, came a trade request. The two sides worked things out, though, and there is no bad blood between the player and the team.
"It was long, and (there were) difficulties," Mostert explained. "But in the end, we were able to sit down and have communication, and it's a blessing to be here. It's one of those things where I knew it was going to be right regardless of how it played out. I knew that, in the end, it was going to be alright, and I was still going to be a Niner no matter what."
Mostert likened the difference of opinions to an argument with his brother.
"This is a family, and we all understand that," he continued. "As you can see, what we've been through these past three, four years with the organization, going 6-10, then the following year, 4-12, and then the Super Bowl run last year, it just tells you that this is a family-based organization.
"We all really pride ourselves on being family. What family doesn't have those problems? I argue with my little brother. It's one of those things where I argue with him, but I also love him at the same time. That's what's going on here.
"We eventually got it fixed, and like I said, it's a blessing, and I'm glad to be here."