You can make the argument that Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL but hasn't been paid like it. Now, as relayed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, he will be.
That's because McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a two-year extension worth about $38 million, Florio reported.
"McCaffrey, who turns 28 on Friday, originally signed a four-year, $64 million extension in early 2020, after his third season with the Carolina Panthers," Florio wrote. "When he was traded to the 49ers during the 2022 season, his contract was not changed."
It has now.
The new deal will keep McCaffrey with the Nines through the 2027 season.
"McCaffrey is coming off a season in which he posted 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 49ers acquired McCaffrey from the Panthers at the 2022 trade deadline, sending 2023 second-, third- and fourth-round picks as well as a 2024 fifth-round selection to Carolina for him," wrote Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
That's not to say all is perfect for the defending NFC champs.
"Meanwhile, 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is awaiting a long-term contract extension of his own, has not reported to minicamp as of Tuesday morning," Wagoner wrote. "He is subject to fines in excess of $104,000 if he doesn't arrive over the next three days."
McCaffrey, on the other hand, was present and accounted for at minicamp. He was also wealthier.
"McCaffrey and (defensive end Nick) Bosa are the players most often cited by teammates and coaches for their dedication and work ethic," wrote Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News. "Coach Kyle Shanahan said previously he's not worried about McCaffrey missing the voluntary sessions and this is what he said when Bosa was present but didn't participate in last year's minicamp."
