Santa Clara, California – The San Francisco 49ers have secured star running back Christian McCaffrey for the next four seasons, providing them with the opportunity to manage his workload strategically. McCaffrey, who recently claimed the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, signed a contract extension through the 2027 season just ahead of his 28th birthday.

With a heavy workload in the previous season, carrying the ball 272 times and totaling 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, the 49ers are cautious about preserving McCaffrey’s productivity over the long run. Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of protecting McCaffrey from burnout, considering his significant contribution to the team on both rushing and receiving fronts.

Shanahan expressed his desire to diversify the running back options to alleviate some of the pressure on McCaffrey. Despite his exceptional skills and versatility, McCaffrey’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a crucial asset on all downs, leaving the team without a designated third-down back.

The 49ers are exploring the possibility of integrating Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason into the offense for more carries on early downs, aiming to reduce McCaffrey’s workload and keep him fresh throughout the season. While Mitchell and Mason may not match McCaffrey’s level of play, their involvement could help distribute the workload more evenly among the running backs.

However, the challenge remains that McCaffrey’s absence from the field noticeably impacts the team’s offensive performance, highlighting his unparalleled value to the 49ers. Shanahan acknowledged McCaffrey’s capacity to handle a heavy workload but reiterated the importance of sharing the burden among other players to maintain his longevity and effectiveness.

By incorporating a strategy that combines McCaffrey’s talents with other running backs, the 49ers aim to optimize their offensive efficiency while ensuring McCaffrey’s well-being and performance for the duration of his contract. Through thoughtful planning and distribution of carries, the team hopes to maximize McCaffrey’s impact while preserving his health and longevity in the league.