49ers Running Back Breakdown: Christian McCaffrey’s Evolving Role, the Depth Behind Him, and What’s Next for 2026
Christian McCaffrey is still one of the most valuable offensive weapons in football. That much isn’t up for debate. But as the 49ers head into the offseason, there are real questions about how long that statement will stay true - not because McCaffrey isn’t effective, but because the way he’s winning has changed.
He just wrapped up a season where he was a finalist for three major awards, and yet, his rushing numbers didn’t jump off the page. In fact, he didn’t have a single run over 20 yards until after the bye week.
That’s a far cry from the explosive McCaffrey we saw in 2023, when he was regularly popping up on the Next Gen Stats speed leaderboard. This year?
Not once did he crack 20 miles per hour on a touch.
So what gives? Has McCaffrey lost a step?
Maybe. But here’s the thing - he was still the engine of the 49ers’ offense, just in a different way.
What Still Makes McCaffrey Elite
1. Versatility That Breaks Defenses
If you’re building a modern NFL offense, you want players who can do more than one thing. And McCaffrey is the poster child for that kind of versatility.
He caught 102 passes this season - 49 of them moved the chains. That’s not a running back padding stats with screens.
That’s a legitimate receiving threat who just happens to line up in the backfield.
McCaffrey’s ability to motion into the slot (which he did on over 14% of his snaps) or even out wide forces defenses to declare their coverage early. And when linebackers or safeties are the ones trying to stick with him?
Advantage McCaffrey - every time. Seven receiving touchdowns and a sky-high catch rate made him a matchup nightmare all year.
2. Elusiveness Between the Tackles
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the lack of long runs, McCaffrey actually had a career-high 982 yards after contact, per Next Gen Stats. That’s not just a number - that’s a sign of a back who’s still making guys miss and dragging defenders for extra yards.
Most of that damage came inside the tackles, where he averaged 1.4 yards more per carry than the year before, even with 49 fewer attempts. His rushing EPA inside jumped to +7.9 from a brutal -35.8.
Translation: he was far more efficient and productive in tight spaces. As a receiver, he also posted +142 yards after the catch over expected.
The burst might not be what it once was, but the vision, balance, and ability to make the first man miss? Still elite.
3. Durability in a Grueling Role
It almost feels risky to say this out loud given the 49ers’ injury history, but McCaffrey was a rock this season. He didn’t miss a single game, despite being the focal point of the offense and taking a beating week in and week out.
The offensive line didn’t exactly help him out - the Niners ranked near the bottom of the league in yards before contact - and McCaffrey still managed to produce. He was targeted constantly, took hits from every angle, and the most time he missed in a game was a series or two. That’s not just durability - that’s resilience.
Where the Backfield Needs Help
1. Depth Behind CMC Is a Question Mark
One of the reasons McCaffrey had to carry such a heavy load? The coaching staff clearly didn’t trust the guys behind him.
Brian Robinson had moments, but when given extended run, his production dipped - averaging 2.3, 3.3, 3.3, and 3.7 yards per carry in games where he had more than five attempts. He brought physicality, sure, but lacked the juice to be a consistent threat.
Isaac Guerendo didn’t register a single carry all season, which tells you how the coaches viewed him. Jordan James missed most of his rookie year due to injury, only surfacing in the playoffs. In limited action, he looked more dynamic than Robinson, but it’s a small sample size.
If the 49ers want to keep McCaffrey fresh and healthy, they need someone they can trust to spell him regularly. Right now, that guy isn’t on the roster - or at least hasn’t proven it yet.
2. Lack of a Home Run Threat
Two years ago, the 49ers’ backfield had speed to burn. This year?
Not so much. Guerendo flashed big-play ability last season, but if he’s not getting touches, it doesn’t matter.
Meanwhile, look at the two teams in the Super Bowl. One has a rookie in TreVeyon Henderson averaging over 12.5 mph on his carries - seventh fastest in the NFL - and gaining an extra 7.2 yards per missed tackle. The other has Kenneth Walker, who ripped off 33 runs of 10+ yards and clocked in with the third-fastest average speed among running backs.
Speed matters. It stretches defenses, creates explosive plays, and makes life easier for everyone else on offense. Even if James steps into the RB2 role, the 49ers still lack that true home-run hitter in the backfield.
2026 Running Back Outlook: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s Next
Brian Robinson is set to hit free agency, and it’s hard to see the 49ers bringing him back. He didn’t offer enough in the passing game, and his running style didn’t move the needle when given opportunities.
Guerendo, despite his athletic upside, seems like a release candidate. He didn’t touch the ball all year, and this front office has shown a willingness to move on quickly from running backs who don’t earn trust.
That leaves McCaffrey, James, and a whole lot of opportunity.
The 49ers have consistently drafted running backs, so don’t be surprised if they dip into that well again. But free agency could offer a quicker fix - and there’s speed to be had.
Names like Travis Etienne, Breece Hall, and Kenneth Walker are all hitting the market. One intriguing option?
Keaton Mitchell, the Ravens’ restricted free agent. He was the fastest back in the league this past year and could be available depending on how Baltimore handles his tender.
Another name to watch: Kenneth Gainwell. He was targeted on over 27% of his routes in 2025 - the highest rate in the league - and brought legit burst, hitting over 15 mph on nearly a quarter of his carries.
He also ranked fourth in the league in 10+ yard run rate. Gainwell turns 27 in March and would be a perfect complement to McCaffrey, allowing James to develop without being thrown into the fire.
Final Thoughts
Christian McCaffrey may not be breaking off 60-yard runs like he used to, but his value hasn’t dropped - it’s just shifted. He’s still one of the most impactful players in the league, thanks to his versatility, toughness, and football IQ. But if the 49ers want to keep getting elite production from him, they need to lighten the load - and that means finding real answers behind him.
Whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or a combination of both, this offseason is a pivotal one for San Francisco’s backfield. McCaffrey will be 30 by the time the 2026 season kicks off. The time to plan for what’s next - and protect what they already have - is now.