CMC Makes Bank

Christian McCaffrey has inked a two-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. The deal, which averages $19 million annually, catapults him to the top of the list as the highest-paid running back in the NFL. The contract includes a guaranteed sum of $24 million and extends McCaffrey's tenure with the 49ers through the 2027 season. Barring any trades, the 49ers will have the services of 'CMC' for at least four more years.

McCaffrey is fresh off his most productive season yet, where he rushed for an impressive 1,459 yards - his highest single-season tally. He also scored 14 touchdowns, a figure only surpassed by his 2019 campaign. His performance saw him lead the league in rushing yards, rank third in carries over 20 yards, and come in second in rushing touchdowns among running backs, trailing only Raheem Mostert.

In the previous season, the 49ers narrowly missed Super Bowl glory, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, they did manage to clinch their third NFC West Division Title in five years. McCaffrey's contributions were undoubtedly a critical factor in the 49ers' journey past the Conference Championship and into the Super Bowl.

In a move that still stings for some, the Carolina Panthers traded McCaffrey in exchange for 2023 second, third, and fourth-round picks, along with a 2024 fifth-round pick. Carolina traded the 2023 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears to secure the #1 pick and draft Bryce Young. The 2023 third and fourth-round picks were traded to move up 13 spots in the draft and select DJ Johnson. Finally, the 2024 fifth-round pick was used to draft Chau Smith-Wade from Washington State, who will debut this season.

It remains to be seen whether these moves pay off for the Panthers, but given the team's history, I'm not entirely optimistic. ​