49ers trade RB Jeff Wilson Jr. to Dolphins for fifth-round pick

The San Francisco 49ers made a big splash weeks ago with their acquisition of running back Christian McCaffrey, but they aren't done making moves.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers are trading running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to the Dolphins for a 2023 fifth-round pick.

Wilson, 26, was San Francisco's starting running back for the majority of the season after starter Elijah Mitchell suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1.

As a result, Wilson has rushed for 468 yards and two touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry this season, but the efficiency of the running game significantly deteriorated when he was the lead back in San Francisco.

Wilson's volume decreased when the 49ers traded for McCaffrey, as the star halfback took 18 of the team's 23 carries last weekend against the Rams.

Additionally, it's expected that Mitchell will return soon after the bye. Mitchell's impending return made it unfeasible to carry five running backs and four tight ends on the roster, making Wilson the odd man out as San Francisco moves forward with McCaffrey, Mitchell, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Jordan Mason at the position.

Now with the Dolphins, Wilson should receive a more extensive role en route to a potentially bigger payday as he hits free agency in the offseason.

For the Dolphins, they are getting an excellent replacement for their vacant RB2 role, which became necessary after the team traded Chase Edmonds to the Denver Broncos as part of the package sent for star edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Wilson reunites with head coach Mike McDaniel and running back Raheem Mostert as the 1-2 punch in a similar scheme, setting him up for success.

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