49ers Receive Strong Take on Browns’ Jerome Ford as Potential RB2

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2026 NFL season, there’s a growing focus on ensuring their dynamic offense continues to thrive, especially when it comes to their running back position. While Christian McCaffrey remains one of the league’s best, the 49ers will face the reality that McCaffrey will be 30 years old by the start of the season. This raises the question of who will take the pressure off McCaffrey and provide a reliable backup who can contribute significantly to the offense.

Could the 49ers find a younger version of McCaffrey to complement their system and maintain the explosiveness that has fueled their offensive success since McCaffrey’s arrival in the Bay Area? According to CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt, there’s a potential candidate on the market: Jerome Ford, the Cleveland Browns’ explosive running back.

Ford’s Explosive Skillset Makes Him a Perfect Fit

In a February 12 appearance on CBS Sports HQ, Hunt shared his thoughts on where the top free-agent running backs would land, and he singled out Jerome Ford as a perfect fit for the 49ers’ offense. Hunt emphasized Ford’s elite acceleration and explosiveness, key traits that would make him a dangerous weapon in the 49ers’ offense.

“Jerome Ford has legit explosiveness, and when you think of explosive, you always want to think about those offenses that tend to generate a lot of chunk plays, a lot of big plays on both sides of the offense,” Hunt said. “Ford in an outside zone scheme can be dangerous. If you find a way to get him just a little bit of space on that edge, just a sliver, he’s off to the races.”

Hunt also pointed out how Ford’s skillset would be a perfect complement to McCaffrey’s style of play, especially when the star running back needs a breather. “When you compare that as an RB2 to what the RB1 looks like in Christian McCaffrey, when he needs a breather and you bring in someone that has real speed with elite-level acceleration, the defense is already tired. They’re going to be tired trying to chase him down.”

This kind of speed and explosiveness would be a huge asset to the 49ers’ offense, especially in the second half of games when defenders are already worn down by McCaffrey’s hard-hitting runs. The idea of bringing in someone like Ford, who can take advantage of even the slightest opening in the defense, adds a whole new layer of danger to their attack.

The Case for Ford Over Power Running Backs

Hunt also discussed why bringing in a back like Ford, who shares similar attributes to McCaffrey, would make more sense than opting for a power back, like Brian Robinson Jr., who is also a free agent. “I think that would make more sense than bringing back Brian Robinson, who also could make a case. But Jerome Ford’s explosiveness as an RB2 is clear. We’ve seen that with all the backs they’ve had in San Francisco outside of Christian McCaffrey. They’ve shared one element, and that’s explosiveness, and Ford has that.”

Ford’s ability to hit the outside and make explosive plays could perfectly align with the 49ers’ offensive scheme, which thrives on running backs who can contribute both as rushers and receivers. McCaffrey has excelled in that dual-threat role, and Ford could be the ideal player to step into that role and keep the offense rolling when McCaffrey needs rest.

Ford’s 2025 Season with the Browns

Looking at Ford’s recent production, he proved to be a valuable contributor for the Browns in 2025, totaling 470 all-purpose yards. This kind of productivity is exactly what the 49ers need from their RB2, especially with McCaffrey’s workload expected to be carefully managed in the coming seasons.

In the 49ers’ system, where versatility is key, Ford’s ability to break big runs and catch passes out of the backfield makes him an appealing option. His explosiveness could easily fit into Kyle Shanahan’s creative offensive schemes, where running backs play an integral role in both the ground game and the passing attack.

What’s Next for the 49ers?

Looking ahead, the 49ers are likely to pursue a dynamic RB2 in free agency, with Ford being a prime candidate. His skillset would provide the 49ers with the perfect backup to McCaffrey, ensuring the offense remains potent even when their star back is on the sidelines. Bringing in a running back like Ford would help the 49ers maintain their offensive identity while also giving them a reliable option for big plays in the run game.

But the 49ers’ pursuit of improvement doesn’t stop with running back. In addition to adding depth at the running back position, the team is also looking to address the wide receiver position. Recently, David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard shared his take on a potential wide receiver target for the 49ers: Romeo Doubs, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi believes Doubs could be an ideal addition to help shore up the 49ers’ separation issues at wide receiver, and his market rate might fall in the range of $12 million to $15 million, a reasonable price for the 49ers as they look to strengthen their offensive arsenal.

Final Thoughts

As the 2026 season approaches, the 49ers have some important decisions to make, especially regarding the running back and wide receiver positions. Jerome Ford could be an exciting and explosive option for the 49ers to complement McCaffrey in the backfield, and Romeo Doubs could provide the boost they need at receiver. With these potential additions, the 49ers will look to enhance their offensive depth and continue their pursuit of Super Bowl glory.

For the 49ers, the offseason is full of possibilities, and with the right moves, they could be in an even stronger position to contend in 2026. Ford and Doubs could help propel the 49ers to greater heights, solidifying their place as one of the NFL’s most dynamic and dangerous offenses.