There has been some speculation that Christian McCaffrey’s latest injury is actually a hold-in as he eyes a new contract, but it turns out the San Francisco 49ers star running back is just dealing with tightness.
“This is not fake. Actual tightness. Not fake tightness,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday. “Not a hold-in. Actual tightness. This does not seem to me like anything to worry about.”
Rapoport noted that there “maybe was” a check-in about a contract at some point this offseason, but he added that he “doesn’t get the sense that it went anywhere.”
While 49ers fans are likely relieved that McCaffrey isn’t prepared to hold in over his contract, the tightness could be a reason to worry. He was one of the biggest reasons San Francisco made the playoffs last year as he rushed for 1,202 yards and recorded 924 receiving yards, adding 17 total touchdowns.
The Niners have already been thrashed by injuries in training camp, and a serious ailment to McCaffrey would be a huge loss.
McCaffrey is also just two years removed from a 2024 campaign that saw him play just four games because of an Achilles injury and later a PCL injury.
Even if McCaffrey is actually injured and isn’t holding in for a new contract, it’s fair for him to eye a bit more money after what has transpired this offseason. Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson all landed new deals that pay them each $22 million or more. McCaffrey’s contract has a $19 million AAV.
The 30-year-old may not get a new deal before the season starts, but if he puts together another strong campaign, it will give him much more leverage when contract discussions begin next offseason.
