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San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

Few would argue that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is among the best at his position.

But just a few months away from McCaffrey’s 30th birthday, the 49ers are likely looking for ways to cut down on his workload while preserving him for later in the season and into the playoffs.

One way San Francisco can make that happen is by upgrading its wide receiver corps so the passing game is less dependent on McCaffrey’s receiving prowess. Another is by signing a strong backup RB capable of taking some carries off his plate.

49ers Linked to 4-Time 1,000-yard RB Najee Harris

Brian Robinson Jr. served as McCaffrey’s primary backup last season. He totaled 400 yards and 2 touchdowns on 92 carries, but he’s since signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

As things stand right now, Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo are McCaffrey’s backups heading into next season, which is why Parker Hurley of 49ers on SI believes the team should make a run at former Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers RB Najee Harris.

“Jordan James could be the 49ers’ backup running back, but it is hard to be on that, and it would be smart to add a running back who could compete and possibly take over for James,” Hurley wrote. “Najee Harris fits the bill. He is coming off an Achilles injury, which is why he is unsigned and will be able to sign for a cheap cap hit.

“Still, this is a former first-round talent with 200 carries in four of his first five seasons. It is a good fit. The only other option is bringing Brian Robinson Jr. back, but at this point, it feels like that would have happened if both sides wanted it to happen.”

McCaffrey’s Usage a Cause for Concern

GettySan Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey during an NFL game.

Rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, and catching 102 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns, McCaffrey finished second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,126 yards) behind Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (2,298 yards).

It marked the third time in the last four seasons McCaffrey finished in the top three in yards from scrimmage.

It also marked the third time in the last four years that McCaffrey logged 67 or more receptions, 560 or more receiving yards, 1,100 or more rushing yards, and 240 or more rushes all in the same season.

Adding a player of Harris’ caliber, who started 68 straight games until last season and rushed for 1,000 or more yards in his first four seasons, could be just what the 49ers — and McCaffrey — need to not only preserve his career but also add another wrinkle to the team’s offensive attack.

Michael Gallagher Michael Gallagher is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He has more than a decade of experience working for both local and national news outlets covering the NFL, NHL, NBA, WNBA, college football, and MMA. His work has been featured in Newsweek, Yahoo Sports, Fox Sports, Athlon Sports, The Hockey News, the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, and Yardbarker. More about Michael Gallagher