San Francisco 49ers are a forward-thinking organization. That is one of the reasons they have been so successful under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. In general, the team has been ahead of the curve when it comes to filling open positions.
Lynch emphasizes the importance of addressing safety and cornerback positions on a yearly basis, as well as the need for backups for Brock Purdy.
The 49ers have a running back who was a finalist for MVP and Offense Player of the Year. Christian McCaffrey plays a position that the NFL does not value. That’s clear during every free
However, when viewed through the prism of being a “eligible” receiver, McCaffrey is one of the most important players in the game.
McCaffrey, who turns 28 in June, is coming off a season with 355 touches. For the first month of 2023, McCaffrey got at least 23 touches per game. Shanahan reduced his workload in the middle of the year before increasing it again toward the end.
It’s difficult to persuade oneself to take a player of CMC’s caliber off the field in general, but when there isn’t a flexible, dependable backup, keeping No. 23 on the field becomes much simpler.
Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason are in the latter years of their contracts. After 2024, Mitchell will be an unrestricted free agent, while Mason will be restricted.
However, as a “eligible” receiver, McCaffrey is one of the most useful players in the league.
