CBS Sports' Jared Dubin recently ranked the NFL's top 10 running back duos ahead of the 2026 season, and McCaffrey's presence alone helped the 49ers land at No. 8 on the list.
One of the biggest questions entering the season is who will emerge as McCaffrey's primary backup. Rookie running back Kaelon Black appears to be the early favorite, but he is competing with several other players for the role. However, Dubin believes the uncertainty behind McCaffrey doesn't diminish the strength of San Francisco's running back room.
"McCaffrey is so good that it doesn't matter whether you put Kaelon Black or Jordan James or Isaac Guerendo or Patrick Taylor or me or you or anyone else -- the 49ers still deserve to be on this list," Dubin explained.
The praise highlights just how valuable McCaffrey remains. Still, it also underscores the importance of finding a reliable backup who can help reduce the workload placed on the star running back.
McCaffrey produced an incredible 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns last season, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after returning from an injury-shortened 2024 campaign.
However, his historic production came with a heavy workload. McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches last season, making it even more important for the 49ers to find ways to keep him fresh throughout the 2026 season.
"CMC is the most versatile back in the league, so effective as a receiver that even in a season where he averages just 3.9 yards per carry, he can still be one of the most effective weapons in the league," Dubin added. "He racked up an incredible 102 catches for 924 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago, and this is a guy who has led the league in rushing before.
"In Kyle Shanahan's offense, McCaffrey is a threat to dice the defense on every single play -- especially because he's liable to be out there for something like 80% of the snaps or more."
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