49ers running back Christian McCaffrey did not appear at the start of OTAs in San Francisco. Coach Kyle Shanahan walked on tiptoe the reason(s) for McCaffrey’s absence.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, McCaffrey’s absence is not due to his contract.
This does not mean that your contract is not or will not be an issue. McCaffrey is set to earn $11.8 million this year under the contract the 49ers inherited by trading him during the 2022 season. (He has a $200,000 workout bonus that he will obviously be putting at risk by not showing up for work outside season.)
McCaffrey got his current contract after just three seasons in Carolina. While the deal averages $16 million in new money per year, the 49ers have been paying about $12 million annually.
While that’s great for running backs, McCaffrey is more than a running back. He is the most important non-defender in the team’s attack. But he pays less than receiver Deebo Samuel or tight end George Kittle.
Samuel’s deal averages nearly $24 million per season.
Last year, McCaffrey tallied more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. Samuel had 1,117 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns.
This is not a criticism of Deebo. It’s an illustration of McCaffrey’s value.
Again, not a problem for now. It could be that Week 1 is approaching.
