Last week, the San Francisco 49ers made headlines by acquiring star running back Christian McCaffrey in a blockbuster trade that required them to move a 2023 second-rounder, third-rounder, and fourth-rounder, as well as a 2024 fifth-rounder to the Carolina Panthers.
Reports surfaced that the three final contenders for McCaffrey's services were the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and the Buffalo Bills, however; the former two were the teams to submit offers for the running back.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Los Angeles Rams offered four draft picks: a 2023 second-rounder and third-rounder, and a 2024 fourth-rounder and fifth-rounder in addition to running back Cam Akers, but were not able to get the deal done.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach Sean McVay shared his initial thoughts on losing out in the McCaffrey sweepstakes to a divisional rival.
"You thought, 'Oh, s--t. They're getting another great player?' " McVay said.
Then, going into detail, McVay praised the player that McCaffrey is, while sharing appreciation to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on his ability to maximize talent on the offensive side.
"I think he's a phenomenal player. Obviously we saw him recently. I've always had respect for his game and the versatility. I think that's your first inclination," McVay said. "And then you have what a great job Kyle and his staff do of maximizing and utilizing versatile offensive weapons. So that was my first reaction."
While the Rams were unfortunately on the wrong end of the deal, McVay understands that the team can't lament the missed opportunity, especially given that the two teams are set to face off in Week 8.
"As a competitor, you say, 'Hey, they've got him, we've got to be able to move forward accordingly,' and it just so happens that they're on the schedule this week," McVay said. "We'll get a chance to see a great player in addition to a bunch of other great players on Sunday."
Earlier last week, following the announcement of the McCaffrey trade, general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters, where he was asked about if the Rams' interest played a role in the move.
"I'm glad [Christian McCaffrey's] not there. That's always an interesting question because I always say, hey guys, it's about us. That's how I was raised. That's the way [former Indianapolis Colts head coach] Tony Dungy talked. It's about us. If you're so focused on your opponents, you're not going to do very well. But I also know the fastest way to success in our league is winning your division. And so, in part, it seems like a lot of these situations end up where it's us against them in these things and I'm sure glad he's here and not there."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared a similar sentiment when asked the same question, adding that it was a bonus to keep McCaffrey away from the Rams.
"I mean, it's definitely a bonus [to keep McCaffrey away from the Rams]. I think everybody would love the opportunity to have a player like Christian. And so, I think everyone looks into it, but it's also nice to keep a good player away from the team that we have to compete with year in and year out. So that definitely helps. I think just, it's not just the Rams but watching a number [of] teams over the years in the last, since we've been here, just make trades and stuff and some work, some don't. But it just wasn't like how I think it was for all of us 10 years ago to go, even 15 years ago when that stuff was unheard of. You didn't even discuss it. It's always a risk in everything you do and sometimes it's a risk not doing it. But anytime you have examples, like I think we've had a bunch of them the Rams have given them to us almost every year, the examples, but I watch other teams who have done it too and you get to make, it's nice to watch people do it and see what's good from it, what's bad from it and that's why I like how, I like that it's not how he used to be in that that was always out of the discussion."
Now, the 49ers will look to reap the benefits, as the two aforementioned teams will face off in Week 8, and McCaffrey will have a full week of practice to better prepare for his second week in San Francisco.