One NFL writer proposed the 49ers trade Christian McCaffrey to an NFC rival this offseason. While bold, there’s actually sound logic to it.
The San Francisco 49ers have already demonstrated a willingness to execute bold moves this offseason, highlighted by trading away All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders while taking on $31.5 million in dead money and receiving only a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft back in exchange.
Couple that with the Niners refusing to sign most of their high-profile free agents this offseason, and it’s not hard to understand their desire to get both younger and cheaper.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk seems to be the focal point of any impending San Francisco trade, but there are plenty of other high-profile candidates who could be part of trade talks.
Including All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
NFL writer proposes wild Christian McCaffrey trade to Cowboys
McCaffrey, the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, still appears to be one of the 49ers’ remaining cornerstone pieces entering 2025 despite missing all but four games last season because of injuries, including Achilles tendinitis that cut out the first half of the campaign.
However, the Sporting News‘ Aaliyan Mohammed suggested the Niners trade McCaffrey over to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two third-round picks, one this April and another in 2026:
“The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders this offseason. Both players struggled last season and may not be reliable enough to lead the backfield. Last season, the Cowboys had the sixth least rushing yards in the league and had just three runs of over 20 yards. The Cowboys could target a running back in the draft, but this trade with the San Francisco 49ers could land them one of the best players in the NFL.”
Bold indeed.
On the surface, it might seem simple for San Francisco fans to scoff at the idea. When healthy, McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic and versatile offensive weapons in the game.
He alone could be the reason the 49ers bounce back from a frustrating 6-11 season a year ago.
That said, when taking in the bigger picture, a McCaffrey trade does carry some weight.
49ers trading Christian McCaffrey makes some sense
Let’s get the facts out of the way first.
McCaffrey will turn 29 years old this offseason, dangerously close to the cutoff point (30 years old) when even the best of running backs’ careers give out. While 2022 and 2023 featured a fully healthy McCaffrey operating at full bore, including 2,023 rush yards during his OPOY season, he was plagued by serious injuries in 2020 and 2021 that limited him to just 10 games combined back when he was with the Carolina Panthers.
Last year’s injuries did him no favors either.
McCaffrey is also the second highest-paid running back in the league with an annual average salary of $19 million, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million APY).
In summary, the Niners have an aging, injury-prone tailback who’s also very expensive. Sure, when healthy, he’s a game-changer. But, availability remains the best ability, and McCaffrey didn’t boast that in 2024. Same with 2020 and 2021 when he was in Carolina.
True, San Francisco would have to eat $32 million in dead money to trade McCaffrey to Dallas, and getting a pair of third-round picks in back-to-back years doesn’t feel like a great return.
However, taking into account the strength of the 2025 draft is in the middle rounds, coupled with an awfully deep class of talented tailbacks, landing a rookie rusher with plenty of upside isn’t exactly a bad proposition.
Especially if it jives with the 49ers’ newfound interest in getting younger and cheaper.
