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Christian McCaffrey, the best player in the NFL last year, signed a new contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He wasn’t at the team’s earlier practices, but now he’s back.
Why was he absent? No one knows for sure.
McCaffrey’s new deal is huge. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said, “Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey once again has reset the RB market, signing a two-year extension with the 49ers, averaging $19 million per year, per sources.”
This news isn’t shocking. McCaffrey is widely seen as the top running back in the NFL. He had two years left on his old contract with the Carolina Panthers, but now he’s set to stay with the 49ers until 2027. This new contract gives him a big raise.
However, paying so much for a running back is risky. The 49ers still need to figure out a deal with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is in the last year of his rookie contract. What does this mean for Aiyuk’s future with the team?
Aiyuk hasn’t been paid yet. The 49ers even considered trading Deebo Samuel, another top receiver, before deciding to keep him. How does McCaffrey’s new deal affect these decisions? Especially since the team is also planning to give quarterback Brock Purdy a big extension by 2025.
It’s tough to blame the 49ers for giving McCaffrey what he wanted. In 2023, he had over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, winning the rushing title and finishing third in the MVP race. At 28, he’s still in his prime. But what about Aiyuk and Samuel’s future in San Francisco? And the overall value of running backs?
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