Niners Nation on Christian McCaffrey

Article49ers roster preview: Is this Christian McCaffrey’s final year as a Niner?
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Off a season with 311 rushing attempts and 102 receptions, Shanahan's hand will be forced to dial back the touches for McCaffrey. We know what history says about players coming off 400-touch seasons. Injuries are as close to inevitable as it gets. If it's not injuries, it's the production that falls off a cliff.

STACKED’s take

Negative signalProjection

McCaffrey's 400-touch season and age 30+ status raise injury and decline risk; cap hit balloons to $26M in 2026.

The source warns that McCaffrey's 400-touch season (311 rushing attempts + 102 receptions) historically precedes injury or production decline; Father Time is a concern for running backs once they hit 30. McCaffrey will turn 31 in 2027 and carries a $26 million cap number in 2026, creating financial pressure. The data shows McCaffrey has lost a step athletically, though his missed tackle rate remains elite. Shanahan will likely dial back touches given the offensive burden placed on him in 2025.

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