Christian McCaffrey is reviving the once-dismal running-back market. The 49ers’ standout has signed a two-year, $38 million agreement. McCaffrey, who is now under contract until he reaches 31, was formerly the NFL’s highest-paid running back. McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million contract deal in 2020 while still with the Carolina Panthers, which the 49ers acquired when they traded for him during the 2022 season.
The next-highest-paid running back after McCaffrey is Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints, who earns $15 million a year. McCaffrey, Kamara, Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley, and Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs are the only running backs earning more than $10 million a year.
It’s easy to see why the 49ers are honoring McCaffrey, whose father, Ed McCaffrey, won three Super Bowls while playing for the 49ers and Broncos. Christian McCaffrey, a two-time All-Pro, has been regarded as the NFL’s most complete running back since taking over from Todd Gurley a half-decade ago. Last year, McCaffrey won his first running championship, scored 21 touchdowns, and accumulated over 2,000 all-purpose yards.
McCaffrey almost joined Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis as the only players to win both the running championship and the Super Bowl in the same season. While McCaffrey contributed 160 total yards and a touchdown reception, the 49ers lost in overtime to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the second Super Bowl to be decided in overtime.
The 49ers, on the other hand, are still working out a deal with Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, whose future with the club has been a matter of discussion this summer, is scheduled to play in 2024 under his fifth-year option. The 49ers, which just extended wideout Jauan Jennings’ contract, were also thought to be in trade negotiations with Deebo Samuel.
