RUMOR: 49ers Could Sign 4-Time Pro Bowl Running Back To Pair With Superstar Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey of San Francisco 49ers looking on.Christian McCaffrey (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey may be the best running back in the game right now, but Kyle Shanahan and company should still consider load management for “Run CMC” going forward.

Christian McCaffrey won the rushing title last season with 1,459 yards. He had 14 rushing touchdowns to go along with 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven receiving scores, leading the NFL with 2,023 yards of offense and 21 total TDS.

But as everyone knows, elite running backs begin to decline before their 30th birthdays. Run CMC is about to enter his age-28 season, so the 49ers may want to bring in more help at RB to keep him fresh.

Matthew Davis of Heavy.com made the case for the 49ers to add some depth behind Christian McCaffrey by signing former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook, who remains a free agent as training camp draws closer:

“San Francisco could utilize Cook to do a number of the things McCaffrey does as added depth to the backfield…Neither 49ers backup running back Elijah Mitchell nor Jordan Mason have produced Cook-like numbers in their careers. Mitchell hit 963 yards rushing in 2021, and Mason’s career high is 258 yards in 2022.”

Cook was released by the Vikings in a cap-saving move last year despite tallying four straight 1,000-yard seasons. He wound up signing with the New York Jets, but was let go late in the season after seeing just 67 carries for 214 yards and no touchdowns.

The Baltimore Ravens added the four-time Pro Bowler to their roster later in the season. He rushed for 23 yards on eight carries in the Ravens’ Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans.

Dalvin Cook Would Bolster RB Depth Behind Christian McCaffrey

It’s unlikely that Cook will ever get the chance to be a team’s No. 1 RB again. However, the former Vikings star could still provide valuable depth in San Francisco’s RB room.

San Franciso’s other RBs are Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and rookie Isaac Guerendo, a fourth-round pick out of Louisville. Cook wouldn’t cost much to sign at this point. And he could very well bounce back in a Shanahan offense that has never been short on quality running backs.

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

Christian McCaffrey running with a footballChristian 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.”