A top ESPN personality is calling for the San Francisco 49ers to commit to a full-scale rebuild by trading superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have already lost a significant number of impact players from 2024. Kyle Juszczyk, Maliek Collins, Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd were released in cap-saving moves. Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks and Dre Greenlaw quickly found new homes in free agency.
Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” program, popular analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark called for the 49ers to continue the roster overhaul by dealing the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year.
“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey, and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him…Why not change your entire philosophy, getting pieces for him? If you’re going to rebuild, rebuild completely.”
Clark also cited McCaffrey’s concerning injury history as another reason for the 49ers to make a trade. The latter was limited to four game appearances in 2024, and he suited up in just 10 total games over the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Last year, the 49ers and McCaffrey agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $38 million. He led the league in rushing during the 2023 season (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,023) and total touchdowns (21).
The 49ers got quality production from Jordan Mason (789 rushing yards in 12 games) and Isaac Guerendo (420 rushing yards) with Christian McCaffrey sidelined. Shanahan has never struggled to find productive RBs during his tenure as the 49ers’ head coach, so there’s a case to be made that San Fran is better off dealing “Run CMC” now.
Which Teams Could Target Christian McCaffrey?
If the 49ers put McCaffrey on the trade block, there are a few teams that stand out as logical landing spots for the three-time Pro Bowler.
The Dallas Cowboys could use an explosive playmaker like McCaffrey to help Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The Pittsburgh Steelers need a new RB1 after losing Najee Harris in free agency, and maybe Tom Brady and Pete Carroll would be tempted to bring the second-generation NFL star to Las Vegas and bolster the Geno Smith-led offense.
