2025 was a banner season for Christian McCaffrey. The former Carolina Panthers running back racked up the touches and touchdowns on his way to a huge season. The only blemish is a 3.9 yards per rush number that was the lowest for McCaffrey since the 2020 season with Carolina, when he carried the ball 59 times.
The San Francisco 49ers’ running game never seemed to get on track aside from a few moments during the 2025 season. McCaffrey was still a force for the 49ers’ offense and carried them into the divisional round.
Advertisement
Now the concern becomes following a 413-touch season for McCaffrey. The matchup problems created with McCaffrey on the field will keep him on the field for every down as long as he’s healthy, but is there a way to dial back McCaffrey’s touches and maximize his production? Keeping the running back from taking big hits running between the tackles could be the way to make sure McCaffrey makes it through the season, given his importance to the offense and Brock Purdy.
This isn’t a foreign idea from outsiders. The question is: Will Kyle Shanahan dial back his touches and take him off the field in 2026? Let me be frank, I doubt it. As long as McCaffrey is good to go, he will play 95-97% of snaps. It’s hard to improve on a 102 reception season, but the 49ers should consider throwing McCaffrey more passes to put the ball in his hands and shield him from the hits running backs take running through their offensive line.
Jordan James and Kaelon Black can help shoulder the workload and keep the 49ers’ running game on schedule. Even pairing James or Black with McCaffrey lined up in the slot would give defenses fits. Shanahan feels more comfortable as a playcaller with McCaffrey on the field. It feels like the playbook opens up and the offense can remain versatile. The routes called from the backfield are a nightmare to cover for linebackers.
Spending a draft pick on running backs in three straight drafts should motivate the 49ers to utilize other backs in an effort to keep McCaffrey fresh. I’m not saying McCaffrey should never run the football, but the best way to maximize his talent and spare him is by utilizing his receiving skills. At this point in McCaffrey’s career, the 49ers should be focused on getting him through the season while keeping him involved in the offense, especially in the red zone.
Advertisement
It’s fair to expect better blocking on the outside from 49ers receivers, but McCaffrey isn’t the same guy from 2023 either. The 49ers need him to play as many games as possible in 2026. Perhaps the “wideback” role could be McCaffrey’s next stop? Pop passes, reverses, and screens should all be added as ways to involve McCaffrey.
