By extending the contract of standout running back Christian McCaffrey for an additional two years, the Super Bowl contenders San Francisco 49ers have taken a strong step towards stability as the futures of their explosive tandem, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, are in jeopardy.
The franchise’s acquisition of McCaffrey’s services demonstrates its steadfast devotion. The two-year agreement, thought to be worth £14 million a year, is a testament to the team’s confidence in his ability.
ESPN additionally disclosed that the two-time NFL All-Pro will receive an additional £6 million, with a guaranteed £18 million, demonstrating the team’s commitment to its players.
During his two seasons with the 49ers, McCaffrey has become an important member of Kyle Shanahan’s highly regarded West Coast offense variation, acting as its catalyst.
McCaffrey has amassed 2205 yards and 20 touchdowns in ground rushes throughout his time in California. He has also caught 119 passes for 102 yards and 11 scores in the air.
The 49ers were crowned back-to-back champions when they nearly fell 25–22 to the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
McCaffrey was an integral part of the team’s offense once more, gaining 80 yards on the ground and 80 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions.
While they prepare for the new season, the squad is adamant about keeping a good attacking lineup, Aiyuk and Samuel’s futures with the team are still up in the air.
The fact that Aiyuk has failed to attend the team’s required mini-camp suggests his dissatisfaction.
When it became apparent that Aiyuk, who is in the fifth year of a rookie contract worth £11 million, appeared dissatisfied with the 49ers organization and even unfollowed the team on Instagram, rumors began to circulate. By 2025, the 49ers will be having salary cap problems, so rumors of a potential trade started to surface.
Regarding Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers have not yet made a choice. Following General Manager John Lynch’s early May visit on the Pat McAgee show, some of the conjecture subsided.
Lynch emphasized that even in the absence of new contracts, he is committed to keeping the team together. Do discussions take place in the offseason and during drafts? Indeed, they do. That’s behind us now.
Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, Danny Gray, and now you add Ricky Pearsall [and 2024 fourth-round pick] Jacob Cowing, we’re pleased to add to that bunch. We strengthened a group that was already formidable,” Lynch said. “We never act in that way without considering if these guys can make a quick contribution.
Additionally, we have a vision for both Pearsall and Cowing that includes how they can participate and add, as well as how they embody many of the traits we value in players. We’re passionate about our group.”
After signing a staggering £56 million deal in 2022, Samuel has vowed to stay loyal to San Francisco until 2024. In 2024, he is expected to receive a handsome £16.5 million, and then a cool £13 million.
In the meantime, Aiyuk is working hard to get a sizable contract extension and is expected to see a massive pay boost of £11 million in 2024. In a recent episode of Nightcap, he emphasized the possible consequences if the 49ers do not see his value and hinted at exploring other options, such as jumping ship.