New Report Uncovers Details Behind Christian McCaffrey’s Strange Absence From 49ers OTAs

Christian McCaffrey (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey wasn’t present for the start of OTAs this offseason.

The All-Pro RB isn’t holding out or anything, with a source telling ProFootballTalk his absence has nothing to do with his contract situation.

Still, the deal could be an issue as he’s going to make $11.8 million this year as part of the contract the team took responsibility for when they acquired him via trade. His contract does include a $200,000 workout bonus that could be thrown into the fire given that he hasn’t shown up for offseason training.

McCaffrey signed his current deal after three seasons with the Carolina Panthers. While it has a new-money average of $16 million per season, the Niners have been paying around $12 million.

Although you’d find several RBs around the league who would bite your hand off for $12 million, McCaffrey is the most important non-quarterback on the team’s offense and is paid less than receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.

Christian McCaffrey was responsible for over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns last season. On the other hand, Samuel recorded 1,117 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns.

What Kyle Shanahan Had To Say About Christian McCaffrey’s Absence

$9ers head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t delve too deeply into the absence when questioned by reporters, claiming he wasn’t too concerned while pointing out that the offseason work isn’t mandatory.

“No, just like everyone else, it is voluntary,” he said, per PFT. “I’m not too concerned about Christian. But no, he hasn’t been here.”

Receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings didn’t show up either.

“I’m not sure if that is the case on any of those guys,” Shanahan added. “I’m not throwing them all in who’s here for that reason, who’s not. But it is all voluntary, so we’ll see when it becomes mandatory.”

NFL All-Pro Running Back And Former Yards Leader Announces His Retirement

Arizona Cardinals helmet (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A former Arizona Cardinals superstar running back and one-time First-team All-Pro has announced his retirement after an eight-year career.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, former Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson announced his retirement from football. The 32-year-old played in the NFL from 2015 to 2022, going unsigned in the 2023 season before ultimately retiring.

The former Northern Iowa star was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round (86th overall) in 2015. He joined an offense led by future Hall of Famer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Carson Palmer, and offensive guru head coach Bruce Arians.

Johnson was one of the top rookies of 2015, compiling 1,038 yards of offense and 12 total touchdowns. Arizona reached the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to Cam Newton’s Carolina Panthers.