‘Should Not Give Him Any More Years’ — NFL Analyst Cautions 49ers Over Christian McCaffrey’s Rumored Contract Dreams

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‘Should Not Give Him Any More Years’ — NFL Analyst Cautions 49ers Over Christian McCaffrey’s Rumored Contract Dreams

Christian McCaffrey has not publicly asked the San Francisco 49ers for another contract, but that has not stopped his recent practice absences from creating a very expensive theory.

NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reported Monday that there is speculation in league circles that McCaffrey’s weeklong absence because of “tightness” could actually be a hold-in designed to secure an adjustment to his contract. However, one analyst believes San Francisco should be willing to move money around, but not move the expiration date.

Rob Guerrera Warns 49ers Against Adding Years​

“We brought this up on last Monday’s show. CMC wants the cash,” Rob Guerrera wrote on X. “The 49ers absolutely should NOT give him any more years whatsoever. Guarantee his money, but that’s it.”

Guerrera’s warning gets directly at the risk San Francisco would assume by extending McCaffrey deeper into his 30s. The 49ers signed him to a two-year extension in 2024 that keeps him under contract through 2027. He is scheduled to receive $12.5 million in cash this season, which Florio noted is not guaranteed.

The timing has fueled the speculation. Florio reported that some around the league believe McCaffrey could be seeking more financial security after the running back market moved upward, while stressing that the 49ers have publicly attributed his absence to tightness.

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan has also said he is not concerned about the issue becoming a significant injury. Until McCaffrey or the team says otherwise, the contract angle remains speculation rather than a confirmed hold-in.

Why McCaffrey’s Age Complicates a New Deal​

There is an obvious reason McCaffrey would want protection. He remains one of the NFL’s most valuable offensive players.

McCaffrey rebounded from an injury-plagued 2024 season by playing all 17 games last year. He rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 102 passes for 924 yards and 7 scores. His 413 touches led the NFL. He posted an impact score of 86.2 on PFN’s RB Impact Metric, ranking third at his position.

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The counterargument is written into his birth certificate and workload history. McCaffrey turned 30 in June, and San Francisco has already discussed reducing his workload after last season’s massive usage. His previous two seasons with more than 400 touches, in 2019 and 2023, were each followed by years in which he missed 13 games.

That makes Guerrera’s preferred compromise easy to understand. Guaranteeing existing money could reward McCaffrey without committing the 49ers to additional seasons as he moves deeper into the age range where running backs traditionally become harder to project.

McCaffrey may want another bite at the contract apple. Guerrera’s message to San Francisco is simple: make it sweeter if necessary, just do not make it longer.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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