Star running back Christian McCaffrey injury may signal his release this upcoming offseason and the Chargers, Ravens could be his next teams. According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers are taking a huge blow to their backfield room since McCaffrey is heading back to IR. Backup running back Jordan Mason will also miss time the next several weeks but they’re slating him for his return. However, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the 49ers decide to pull the plug on the veteran despite the production McCaffrey puts up when healthy.
Originally selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, the veteran established himself as one the top future Hall of Famers in the league since playing with the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey holds several franchise records with the Panthers, including the first running to ever record 1,000 rushing and receivers in one single season. However, he never found his footing in Carolina since they didn’t have the right support system. After a trade to the 49ers in 2022, they were close to winning a Super Bowl that year after leading the league scrimmage yards and touchdowns.
McCaffrey isn’t getting any younger and he’s getting to an age where he won’t be in his prime anymore. This doesn’t mean other contenders out there won’t be interested in him. With his contract set to expire next year, the San Francisco 49ers might have no other choice but to release him since he’s been missing significant time and has to worry about other contract extensions.
Star Running Back Christian McCaffrey Injury May Signal Release Next Season – Chargers, Ravens Among Next Teams
Possible Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The running game was improving with the additions of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards but as expected, things are crashing since the two running backs are dealing with injuries. The Chargers are holding their breath until Dobbins returns despite his excelling efforts but this may force Harbaugh’s hand to get a veteran backfield piece that can change the ground game for the offense. A guy like McCaffrey could achieve the mindset that Harbaugh is looking for and the chemistry wouldn’t be an issue with Herbert. They both have strong aspirations to win a chip so this new duo might be what the Chargers need to finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is one the best running backs in the league so he won’t be going anywhere as long as he can stay healthy. However, he doesn’t have an excellent supporting cast behind him. Justice Hill has a few flashes but Keaton Mitchell has yet to convince anyone he could replicate the performance Henry is putting up. McCaffrey might not have any full-time starter stability anymore so he could sign with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal in a “prove it” contract. No one’s taking Henry’s job but this addition to the backfield might find Lamar Jackson in a good position for his first Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is having one of the worst seasons since losing Isiah Pacheco in the lineup for several weeks. Kareem Hunt held the fort together but he’s more a temporary solution and will likely head elsewhere after this year. They should take in Christian McCaffrey if he’s on the free agent market in 2025 to build a super team. The chances of that happening are low but anything could happen in the league since trades like DeAndre Hopkins happened this year.
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