McCaffrey is the cream of the crop when it comes to running backs.
Christian McCaffrey didn’t attend voluntary OTAs last week. While it has been speculated that McCaffrey is “holding out” for a new contract, it feels like only speculation at this point.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports released his running back rankings for all 32 teams in tiers on Monday and ranked the 49ers number one in the thoroughbred tier. There are three other teams in the tier: Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Green Bay.
Here are Sullivan’s thoughts about the group:
Not only will you find stars in this tier, but what separates these teams is the depth behind their stars as well. While Christian McCaffrey is arguably the top back in the league, the 49ers have capable backs like Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, and rookie Isaac Guerendo in their stable, along with fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
As for the rest of the teams in this top tier, they’ve all gone through seismic change this offseason with some of the biggest signings in free agency. Baltimore added Derrick Henry to headline a backfield that also sports Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell (recovering from a torn ACL).
Meanwhile, the Eagles added Saquon Barkley and the Packers signed Josh Jacobs, who are both capable of leading the league in rushing if fully healthy. The Ravens and Eagles also have the luxury of having quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts) factoring into the rushing attack.
All four teams lean into their run games. Philadelphia and Baltimore utilize their running backs more than the other two teams, although Jordan Love and Brock Purdy can pick up yards with their legs in a pinch. Jacobs is two years removed from leading the NFL in rushing, and Barkley is getting a fresh start with a better offensive line in Philadelphia.
McCaffrey is the reigning OPOY and has been as reliable and durable as any running back in football for the 49ers. The trade that brought McCaffrey to Santa Clara from Carolina is already one of the best trades in franchise history. It is a fair request if McCaffrey is looking for a reworked contract, considering the amount of touches McCaffrey handles and his impact on the offense.
Heading into his age-28 season, McCaffrey is coming off a season handling over 400 touches, including the postseason, and racking up 14 touchdowns. One thousand four hundred fifty-nine rushing yards aren’t replaceable with one person or a group of players. McCaffrey’s fit is the perfect blend of skillset, scheme, and football IQ for the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan.
Eventually, McCaffrey will report to the team, but if McCaffrey’s request or concern is true, it is a completely valid request. Time will tell with this situation, but the rest of the NFL realizes how important and impactful McCaffrey is for the 49ers.