The San Francisco 49ers are hoping that the 2025 season will pan out better than 2024. Running back Christian McCaffrey's health plays a huge role in that success.
He only played in four games last season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis that held him out for the first eight games, then he suffered a PCL injury that ended his season.
Everyone is looking for 2025 to be a bounce-back season but the latest RB contract made his future in San Francisco more cloudy.
On Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens and RB Derrick Henry agreed to terms on a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $25 million fully guaranteed. ESPN's Adam Schefter added that this is the largest deal in league history for a running back over 30 years old.
This deal will certainly have a ripple effect when McCaffery goes back to the negotiating table with San Francisco.
Derrick Henry’s Extension Will Impact Christian McCaffrey Down the Line
Back in 2024, McCaffrey and the 49ers agreed on a two-year, $38 million extension. At the time, he was highest highest-paid RB in the league, but has since been passed by Eagles RB Saquon Barkley.
Regardless, that could have been his last major payday, considering he'll be turning 29 years old in June. He's signed through the 2027 season, and he'll be 31 years old by then.
Everyone knows that's the age when RBs go down a cliff typically, and with his injury history, the odds aren't high that the 49ers will give him another massive extension. McCaffrey has missed double-digit games four times in his career.
Players don't get healthier as they get older, and the 49ers wouldn't be wise to think that McCaffrey will. We are still a few years away from the team having to make that decision, but time comes quickly.
Over his three seasons with the 49ers, he has been an absolute force. He has compiled 2,407 rushing yards, 1,174 receiving yards, and 31 total touchdowns. The 49ers hope he can return to form cause it's most likely that they won't dish out another big contract unless he continues to play at this elite level and stays on the football field.