Christian McCaffrey ‘fired up’ to remain a 49er long-term

Jun 5, 2024, 8:11 AM

Pro Bowl Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after beating the Seattle Seahaw...

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after beating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Some contract negotiations get dragged through the mud of the public eye, others get dealt with so privately that nobody bats an eye. Christian McCaffrey falls into the latter this time around.

The San Francisco 49ers and their star running back agreed to a two-year extension Tuesday, locking him down through the 2027 season. Despite having two years remaining on his previous deal, CMC wanted more security after a prolific year and half in The Bay. The 49ers understood and obliged, allowing a smooth negotiation to take place in order for their man to be back in the building for minicamp.

“It’s the business part of this game. Both sides were very respectful the whole time, and just proud and happy that we got something done,” McCaffrey shared in his first media availability after the deal. “I think anytime you sign an extension, obviously you’re individually really happy, but then you also have to think about the other guys on the team who helped you get there and are a big part of your individual success…I’ve had nothing but an amazing experience in my time here. I’m really fired up to stay.”

Besides security, CMC had other values in mind, representing more than just himself in negotiations.

NFL running backs have been devalued over the last decade, to the point that a big payday for a star ballcarrier has become obsolete. Unless you’re the cream of the crop, like Christian McCaffrey. Earning $24 million in guaranteed money over the next few seasons is hard to do at that position, with th player hoping this serves as a benchmark for the position moving forward.

“I think it’s really important. I think running backs been undervalued for a long time now. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction,” he stated.

Shanahan on why the 49ers aren’t concerned about CMC’s production toward the end of his contract pic.twitter.com/4ZlHCRmQ0w

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) June 4, 2024

But why pay a bell-cow RB into his early 30s? The answer is quite simple actually: Because CMC is one-of-one in the NFL.

“Christian is one of the most talented people that have ever been in my life, but if I didn’t speak about that, I’d say he’s almost the biggest overachiever that’s been in my life. In terms of how obsessive he is with every little thing,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahann said. “That’s where he’s extremely unique and as you get older with age you lose a step or something and that’s not what makes Christian great. He is the same player down in and down out…It’s great to have all the talent he has and he takes good care of his body, as good as anyone, so you don’t picture him losing any of that because of a number [age], but if that stuff does happen, Christian’s always going to be a good football player.”

Pondering about the future will have to wait however, with the 49ers firmly in Super-Bowl contention. No-one knows how long that may last for this current core, entering the final years of the championship window. And in order to jump that elusive hurdle, they’ll need Christian McCaffrey at his best.