CMC reports to 49ers’ mandatory minicamp after skipping OTAs originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers Faithful can breathe a deep sigh of relief.
After skipping organized team activities – which are optional – 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey returned to the team facility on Tuesday for the start of mandatory minicamp.
Christian McCaffrey reported to the 49ers’ facility in Santa Clara for the opening of mandatory minicamp. He did not participate in OTAs.
– Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) June 4, 2024
Tuesday wasn’t the first time McCaffrey was at the 49ers’ facility since the team’s locker room clean-out day in February, but it will be the first time he steps onto the field this offseason.
McCaffrey’s notable absence from OTAs raised some eyebrows last month, and comments made by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner afterward didn’t necessarily alleviate those concerns.
Although Turner said he was not concerned about McCaffrey’s no-show, he hinted that Could be more to the story about the running back’s whereabouts.
“Physically,” Turner told NBC Sports Bay Area in May. “Physically he’s not here, but he’s here in every other way. That’s the business part and I’m not going to get into that.”
McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 – the highest annual salary for an NFL running back. His $11.8 million 2024 salary is still one of the highest in the league at his position, but there is a significant difference compared to other stars in San Francisco’s locker room.
Deebo Samuel is expected to earn nearly $21 million in 2024. Brandon Aiyuk will earn $14.1 million. Quarterback Brock Purdy is primed for a big payday in 2025.
McCaffrey has taken Shanahan’s offense to new heights since his midseason trade to the Red and Gold. His efforts earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after finishing the 2023 season with 21 total touchdowns and leading the league in yards from scrimmage while leading the 49ers to a 12-5 record, No. 1 in the league. NFC and a Super Appearance from bowl LVIII.
The 27-year-old led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per attempt last season. He had 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage.
While the numbers and the “business” side of things will sort themselves out when the time comes, for now, it appears that Turner, McCaffrey and the 49ers are ready to shift their focus to playing football.
“Christian wants to improve every day and my job is to make sure he doesn’t want to stay in his comfort zone or at a low level of performance,” Turner said. “His standards are very high and every day we strive for him to improve.”
