San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has confirmed that head coach Kyle Shanahan was unsure about trading for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
In October 2022, the 49ers offered four draft picks to the Carolina Panthers in return for McCaffrey's services. Trading for running backs is risky. Many are injury-prone, and the college game always produces talented, salary-controlled running backs.
Many pundits and front offices are wary of trading for a running back. Speaking to the local media on Thursday, York said, "Kyle Shanahan thought it was a lot to give up for a running back, and I think John Lynch and I thought it was just the right amount to give up for Christian."
Moreover, York confirmed they did not want McCaffrey to join the LA Rams. York said, "And collectively, it was do you want him to go to LA. We did give up a lot, but I think we have one of the best if not the best player in the National Football League on our team."
Ironically, McCaffrey's first game for San Francisco was against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers are a better team since that game. And McCaffrey has played the best football of his career.
In 2023, McCaffrey notched 1459 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns. McCaffrey also holds the club's single-season touchdown record. He is arguably the best non-quarterback in the NFL. And he will be critical to San Francisco's Super Bowl hopes.
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