The San Francisco 49ers have been making waves in free agency, but one move that's quietly slipped under the radar is the re-signing of running back Patrick Taylor Jr. This decision could be a signal of shifts within their backfield lineup.
Taylor, who missed all of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, was a solid contributor in 2024 when injuries plagued the 49ers' running back corps. In that season, he managed to rack up 183 yards on 39 carries, finding the end zone once. Known for his special teams prowess, Taylor was expected to bolster the depth chart in 2025 before his injury sidelined him.
Bringing Taylor back into the fold might hint at the 49ers' future plans for their running back room. Brian Robinson Jr., who stepped in as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey last season, is now a free agent.
The 49ers traded a sixth-round pick for him, and while he wasn’t a standout, his reliability and ability to give McCaffrey a breather were valuable. Robinson also proved his worth on kick returns, which became more crucial after the departure of Skyy Moore in free agency.
Despite the team's reported interest in retaining Robinson, his recent social media activity suggests he might be preparing for a future elsewhere. This leaves the door open for other changes.
Another name in the mix is Isaac Guerendo. Drafted in the fourth round in 2024, Guerendo showed promise with his speed when injuries gave him a chance to shine.
However, last season saw him relegated to special teams, and he didn’t record a single carry. By season’s end, rookie Jordan James had overtaken Guerendo on the depth chart, and there’s speculation that James could step up as McCaffrey’s primary backup next season.
If the 49ers decide to roll with McCaffrey, James, and Taylor as their top three running backs, it could be a risky move. Having two relatively inexperienced players backing up McCaffrey, who has his own injury history, might raise concerns. But it also reflects the team's confidence in their young talent and their strategic planning for the future.