49ers four-time All-Pro picked as a top 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year candidate

The San Francisco 49ers may have moved on from some key players this offseason, but they still have plenty of talent to compete in the NFC West in 2025, including running back Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey inked a two-year, $38 million extension with the 49ers last offseason before Achilles and knee injuries held him to just 248 all purpose yards (202 on 4.0 yards per rush) in four games.

At 29 years old, McCaffrey should still be in the prime of his career, but the injuries have been a significant issue in recent years, limiting him to just 47 games played over the last five seasons. However, when he’s healthy, he’s great, which could be seen in 2023 when he led the league with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per attempt on his way to winning the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Now, as the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, Pro Football and Sports Network’s Jacob Infante has identified McCaffrey as a candidate to take home the Offensive Player of the Year award for the second time in his career.

“Staying healthy has been the issue for Christian McCaffrey throughout his career,” Infante wrote. “When he’s able to stay on the field, he’s an elite playmaker unlike any other.

“McCaffrey won Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 but played in just four games last season. His elite receiving ability and reliability as a runner make him one of the most dynamic weapons in football. The San Francisco 49ers just need him to avoid injuries.”

49ers head coach and offensive play-caller Kyle Shanahan will be looking for someone to rely on to start the season after the team moved on from Deebo Samuel in the offseason and with Brandon Aiyuk likely missing the start of the year due to a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus suffered last season. If McCaffrey can stay on the field, there’s a chance that he shows that he’s still one of the most entertaining players on the field each week.

However, after so many serious injuries for the running back, it seems more likely that tight end George Kittle dominates and finds his way to 1,200 yards and 10+ touchdowns to make himself the top candidate on San Francisco’s roster in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey predicted to be a 2025 OPOY candidate