The San Francisco 49ers handed running back Christian McCaffrey a new contract this offseason, an acknowledgment of his vital importance in Kyle Shanahan's offense. The Niners hope to get similar production out of the reigning Offensive Player of the Year without as much wear and tear.
Shanahan noted last month that he'd like to share carries more than last season in hopes of protecting CMC from bumps and bruises that can lead to larger injuries.
"We have guys that can run the ball," Shanahan said during offseason workouts, via The Athletic. "We have to protect Christian from himself. He doesn't like to ever come out no matter what the situation is and I do think that's something we could protect him with more. When you are such a threat in the pass game, it's a little bit different. ... But if he's just taking the wear and tear with 20 carries and stuff every game -- and he's definitely good enough to do that and he has proved he can stay healthy -- but you'd like to take some of that off of him and give it to other guys also."
McCaffrey took 272 carries in 16 games in 2023, tied for second-most in the NFL (and second-most in a season for his career). His 17 carries per game ranked fourth in the league. Add in 67 catches, and the running back touched the rock 339 times last season.
Throughout his career, CMC has shown an ability to pile up touches without a steep decline in his production. But as he creeps up in age, it makes sense for Shanahan to be slightly more selective with the 28-year-old back who has 1,806 career touches.
Last season, Elijah Mitchell had 75 carries in 11 games, and Jordan Mason took 40. The ability to siphon off carries from CMC could depend on whether Mitchell can stay healthier in 2024. Fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo could also push into the mix with a strong training camp and preseason.
In the end, it will be tough for Shanahan to take his best weapon off the field outside of blowouts, but the comments this offseason could indicate a conscious effort to be more deliberate with how San Francisco uses the star back in 2024.
