The San Francisco 49ers didn't believe they needed Christian McCaffrey during the 2022 season, but the team sure did want him. Since the trade that brought the star running back to the team, McCaffrey has amassed an impressive 3,233 scrimmage yards and 31 total touchdowns in 27 regular-season games with the 49ers, playing a pivotal role in their journey to Super Bowl 58.
Jed York, the CEO of the 49ers, shared his thoughts on McCaffrey's impact on Kyle Shanahan's offense in an interview with NFL Network ahead of "Super Bowl Opening Night."
"If you just drew your own player in Madden and created your own guy, I don't know that you can create a more perfect guy to fit in Kyle's offense," York said. "So, I mean, it's just a great fit, and we're very fortunate that he was available. And believe me, so grateful that he is on our football team."
"If you just drew your own player in madden and created your own guy, I don't know that you could create a more perfect guy to fit in Kyle's offense" 💪
49ers CEO @JedYork shares some love for @CMC_22 with @Mike_Yam pic.twitter.com/XL7ctF9CdI
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) February 6, 2024
Shanahan loved the idea of adding a versatile player like McCaffrey to his offense but wasn't always sure about giving up what it took to acquire the running back. Uncharacteristically, it was the coach who hesitated from the aggressive move and needed some convincing, even with the division rival Los Angeles Rams in the mix during trade talks.
"He thought it was a lot to give up for a running back, and I think John and I thought it was just the right amount to give up for Christian," York said last Thursday. "And I remember that very vividly where it's like, 'Look, it's not a pass rusher, it's not a quarterback, but it's a good player. But do we want to give up that much?'" And collectively it was, 'Do you want him to go to LA? This is where we are.'"
The 49ers gave up a lot for McCaffrey, sending second-, third-, and fourth-round draft picks in 2023, plus a fifth-rounder in 2024 to the Carolina Panthers for the running back.
York noted, "But I think we have one of the best, if not the best player in the National Football League on our team."
On Sunday, the 49ers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Super Bowl 58.
