Christian McCaffrey’s $19M Salary Could Be Behind His Mysterious 49ers Absence

Christian McCaffrey's contract runs out after the 2027 NFL season.

Christian McCaffrey’s $19M Salary Could Be Behind His Mysterious 49ers Absence

Christian McCaffrey (Image via IMAGO)

Christian McCaffrey hasn’t practiced with the San Francisco 49ers since August 10. Although head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that the star running back is dealing with an unspecified “tightness,” experts believe McCaffrey’s absence could be linked to a new contract extension.

McCaffrey missed the 49ers’ first preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans. He has also skipped the joint practice session with the Los Angeles Chargers.

When asked the reason behind McCaffrey’s absence, Shanahan revealed that the 30-year-old is dealing with an unspecified “tightness.” However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has become suspicious because of the way Shanahan phrased his latest explanation, which said:

Yeah, I don’t buy that he’s too injured to practice. I think he’s trying to improve a deal that has no remaining guarantees and that pays out only $12.5 million this year.

McCaffrey began skipping practice around the time when fellow running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs signed contract extensions. Both rushers are going to earn an average of at least $22 million/ year.

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Christian McCaffrey requested an extension in 2025

McCaffrey signed a two-year, $38 million contract extension with the 49ers in June 2024. That contract will end after the 2027 season.

Christian McCaffrey’s $19M Salary Could Be Behind His Mysterious 49ers Absence
Christian McCaffrey (Image via IMAGO)

The 2024 season ended after four games. However, he played every game in 2025. McCaffrey rushed 311 times for 1202 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 102 passes for 924 yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

Chris Simms on PFT Live said McCaffrey asked for a contract adjustment without much success. Excluding the injuries, McCaffrey has been among the more consistent dual-threat running backs in the league. It’s only natural for him to seek an extension, seeing that Gibbs and Robinson got theirs. Simms said:

There were rumblings out in San Francisco last year in training camp that Christian wanted a refresher on his contract. So, I would not be surprised if this is the issue.

Simms added that it makes sense for the Niners to hold off on the extension and further examine the “tightness.”

He’s got a history of being beat up. He touched the ball a ton last year. He’s 30 years old. As a guy running the team, I wouldn’t want to pay him or guarantee him much more money. Maybe you can sprinkle the pot this year, but I would be reluctant to attaching myself to Christian McCaffrey for the long term— for a few more years with guaranteed money at his age right now.

Analyst gives an update on Christian McCaffrey’s contract hold-in

Adam Schefter of ESPN appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to address McCaffrey’s contract embargo. Schefter teased that McCaffrey will not sign a contract anytime soon. Schefter said:

This isn’t contract-related at all, and there isn’t a new deal coming for Christian McCaffrey…his absence is related to some muscle tightness that isn’t thought to be serious…barring some setback, he will be out there in Australia against the Rams.

The Carolina Panthers drafted Christian McCaffrey 8th overall in 2017. He was traded to the 49ers in 2022. McCaffrey has accumulated 1658 carries for 7589 yards and scored 62 touchdowns, and has also caught 626 passes for 5390 yards and scored 36 touchdowns in 112 NFL games.

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