Christian McCaffrey came in at No. 4 overall in ESPN's annual position rankings, moving up 1 spot from the 2025 rankings. He was 1 of only 2 running backs 30 years or older to make the list, alongside 32-year-old Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
What happened?
McCaffrey, the 2025 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, had a wide variation in votes among league executives, coaches, and scouts. He received a vote for the No. 1 overall spot and also went unranked on several ballots.
One NFC executive anonymously told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on July 6 that McCaffrey has declined some, but can still be a top guy for at least one more year. The executive said McCaffrey will see more juice if he doesn't have to be the focal point of both the run and pass game.
Looking at Christian McCaffrey's Massive Contract
McCaffrey is still due $30 million in salary over the next 2 seasons from the 49ers, which brings his career earnings to a staggering $127.4 million. His current contract — a 2-year, $38 million contract extension signed before the 2024 season — still has him as the 2nd-highest paid running back in the NFL.
The 49ers have put together a competent offense on paper, despite facing hurdles at the wide receiver position. They drafted Ricky Pearsall in the 1st round, who spent the 1st part of his rookie season recovering from a gunshot wound and looked like a bust in his sophomore season.
49ers Have Much Better Offense — On Paper
The 49ers also signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to a team-friendly 3-year, $42 million free-agent contract. If NFL All-Pro tight end George Kittle can be healthy in 2026 following a torn Achilles tendon suffered in 2025, and with McCaffrey and quarterback Brock Purdy healthy as well, it's hard not to see them as legitimate NFC contenders.
McCaffrey was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and bounced back with 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns in 2025. He missed 13 games due to injuries in 2024, but his versatility and ability to take care of himself make him an elite overall player.
The 49ers were roundly pilloried for drafting a wide receiver with their 1st pick in the 2026 NFL draft, taking Ole Miss star De'Zhuan Stribling in the 2nd round. This move came after the deft move of signing Mike Evans to a team-friendly contract.