San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey led the NFL with a career-high 413 touches during the 2025 season, piling up 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. It was a massive workload for the veteran playmaker, who will turn 30 before the start of the 2026 season.
Despite the heavy usage, McCaffrey remained relatively healthy after appearing in all 17 games. That marked a significant turnaround from his injury-plagued 2024 campaign, when he was limited to just four game appearances.
Entering the offseason healthy is something McCaffrey doesn't take for granted, and he credited the 49ers for managing his workload while still allowing him to stay heavily involved on game days.
"I always think load management happens during the week," McCaffrey told reporters on Monday. "You've gotta be ready to play in the games as much as possible, and they did such a good job this year of limiting my practice time, not giving me more than I could handle, essentially."
When asked whether he would welcome the 49ers adding another running back this offseason to help reduce his workload, McCaffrey emphasized that roster decisions are up to the coaching staff and front office. His priority, he said, is doing whatever is required to help the team win.
"I'll do whatever it takes for this team," McCaffrey said. "If I get five touches a game, if I get 25 touches, it doesn't matter to me. I just want to play and win football games. And whatever they have me do, I'll do. But I love playing football. I love it when the ball's in my hands. I love competing. I'll always be that way, but again, if they want to bring someone in, I'm all for it.
"I think having more guys that can help us win football games is never a bad idea. Hopefully, you want a guy that wants the ball every play, too. I think high tide rises all ships, and that's what it takes to win games as a team. So again, just that's their decision, though."
As the 49ers enter a critical offseason, McCaffrey's comments reflect his team-first approach while emphasizing his desire to compete. Whether San Francisco adds another running back or not, the All-Pro remains focused on winning.