49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was a no-show for the start of OTAs in San Francisco. Coach Kyle Shanahan around on tiptoes 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.
That doesn’t mean his contract isn’t or won’t be a problem. McCaffrey will make $11.8 million this year under the contract the 49ers inherited when they traded for him during the 2022 season. (He has a $200,000 training bonus, which he will obviously jeopardize by not showing up for offseason work.)
McCaffrey received his current contract after just three seasons in Carolina. Although the deal has a new money average of $16 million per year, the 49ers will pay approximately $12 million annually.
While that’s great for running backs, McCaffrey is more than a running back. He is the main non-quarterback on the team’s offense. But he has been paid less than receiver Deebo Samuel or tight end George Kittle.
Samuel’s deal averages almost $24 million per season.
Last year, McCaffrey accounted for more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. Samuel had 1,117 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns.
That’s not a knock on Deebo. It’s an illustration of McCaffrey’s value.
Again, it’s not a problem for now. Week 1 may be getting closer.
