If the San Francisco 49ers want to avenge their Super Bowl loss, they'll need Christian McCaffrey producing out of the backfield. But at the start of OTAs, McCaffrey was nowhere to be found.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't too concerned, though. OTAs are voluntary with McCaffrey being the one to determine his attendance. While the reps might've been nice, Shanahan is already well aware of what his star running back can do, via a team transcript (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk).
“No, just like everyone else, it is voluntary,” Shanahan said. “I'm not too concerned about Christian. But no, he hasn't been here.”
There's no word on exactly why McCaffrey is skipping OTAs. Perhaps he prefers training on his own and soaking in as much offseason as he can. Or it could be contract related, as McCaffrey is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season. However, he is still the highest-paid NFL running back based on annual average at just over $16 million.
The fact that Shanahan isn't showing much concern in the matter points to something in line with the latter. However, the team won't truly know until CMC shows up to practice. His absence at voluntary OTAs is excused. But once the practices become official, Shanahan and San Francisco are counting on McCaffrey to be there.
Christian McCaffrey takes on new life with 49ers
Even if contract issues become a problem down the line, there is no denying that Christian McCaffrey has been a perfect fit for San Francisco. As they figure out their future cap space – especially with Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors swirling – the 49ers surely want to keep CMC for as long as possible.
He has appeared in 27 games since joining the team via trade in 2022, rushing for 2,205 yards and 20 touchdowns. McCaffrey has added 1,028 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air, being nominated to the Pro Bowl both seasons with the 49ers.
But the 2023 campaign was McCaffrey's first full season in San Francisco. Over 16 games, he ran for a league-leading 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns. He gained 564 yards and seven touchdowns in the pass game, earning an All-Pro nod and finishing third in MVP voting. McCaffrey was voted the Offensive Player of the Year.
While the 49ers came up just short in the Super Bowl, McCaffrey has changed the dynamic of San Francisco's offense. With Brock Purdy now the locked in starter, he has not only a strong runner but a pass-catching option out of the backfield. Add that to an already dangerous receiving trio of Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk and George Kittle – not to mention first-rounder Ricky Pearsall – and San Francisco has the talent to be one of the best offensive teams for years to come.
Missed OTA practices won't change that, nor Christian McCaffrey's standing with the team. Contract talks will need to take place at some point in the near future. But for now, Kyle Shanahan is just patiently waiting.
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