The San Francisco 49ers missed the playoffs last season and lost many star players in the offseason. While they expect to have Christian McCaffrey back in the fold, they may want to limit his usage.
In 2023, McCaffrey helped lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He led the league in touches and scrimmage yards. However, last season he played in just four games and the 49ers’ offense struggled. George Kittle is still in San Francisco and Brandon Aiyuk is back after an ACL tear. However, the team traded away Deebo Samuel, and there is no telling how well Aiyuk will play after his injury.
The 49ers do not have much cap space, but FanSided’s Romell Williams suggested the team could swing a blockbuster trade for Terry McLaurin. The two-time Pro Bowler would add an elite receiver for Brock Purdy and take some of the load off of McCaffrey, potentially helping him stay healthy.
“The 49ers were surprise underachievers due to injuries after a 6-11 collapse, but the still have an elite infrastructure with Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle but also having Kyle Shanahan calling plays,” wrote Williams. “With Deebo Samuel gone and Aiyuk coming off an ACL injury, there’s a need for another playmaker to rise above and take the pressure off CMC. McLaurin skill set fits perfectly in Shanahan’s scheme, which thrives on timing, separation, and yards after catch — all areas where McLaurin excels.”
McLaurin is in the final year of his three-year, $68 million deal, and negotiations on a new contract are not going well, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. If he holds out of training camp, the team could start fielding trade calls for him.
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The 49ers know what Purdy can do with a full array of weapons. Giving him a player like McLaurin in Shanahan’s system could lead to a resurgent year for Purdy.
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