The Miami Dolphins did right by Raheem Mostert.
The NFL’s 2023 leader in rushing touchdowns agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $9.1 million with $3.7 million guaranteed.
That is a significant bump in both AAV and guaranteed money. Mostert was set to earn just $2.4 million in base this year with nothing guaranteed.
Miami Dolphins Extend RB Raheem Mostert
The deal ensures Mostert will have a major role on the Dolphins’ offense again this year after setting a franchise record in both rushing (18) and total (25) touchdowns. He also led the team in carries (209) and rushing yards (1,012).
The Dolphins are basically bringing their entire running back room back in 2023. Their top five ball carriers are back in 2024, with Mostert and De’Von Achane expected to be the top two options.
Despite coming off a career year, Mostert was set to earn a maximum of $2.7 million in 2024 which would have been the second straight year he was underpaid.
Mostert signed a prove-it, one-year deal with the Dolphins in 2022 free agency, and that made sense for all sides at the time.
Mostert was less than six months removed from major knee surgery, with many wondering if he would ever be the same.
He wasn’t. He was better.
By Week 4, he became the team’s primary back over Chase Edmonds, whom the Dolphins had just signed to a two-year, $12.1 million contract with $6.1 million guaranteed.
In eight games, Edmonds averaged 2.9 yards per carry before the Dolphins dealt him to the Denver Broncos. Mostert, meanwhile, finished the season with a 4.9 yards per carry average and over 1,000 yards of total offense.
Based on that body of work, Mostert seemed poised for a significant income bump in the following offseason.
KEEP READING: Jordan Poyer Signing Already Benefiting Miami Dolphins in Hidden Ways
But like every other free agent running back in the 2023 cycle, Mostert’s market wasn’t what he expected. Did NFL franchises collude to suppress wages for running backs? Many in league circles believe yes, even if it hasn’t been proven.
So Mostert returned to the Dolphins on his current two-year deal. But it was far from a firm commitment.
The Dolphins spent the next four months inquiring about basically every big-name running back in football.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!