In a remarkable show of loyalty, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has reportedly turned down lucrative trade offers from six NFL teams ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, opting to stay with the team that revived his career. The two-touchdown hero, fresh off a dazzling Week 6 performance in a 31-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons, is doubling down on his commitment to the 49ers, prioritizing team legacy over massive financial windfalls. This decision cements McCaffrey’s role as the cornerstone of San Francisco’s Super Bowl push and highlights a rare dedication in today’s NFL.
McCaffrey’s resurgence with the 49ers has been a headline-grabber. Acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a blockbuster 2022 trade, the former All-Pro has become the engine of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Through eight games in 2025, McCaffrey has racked up 710 rushing yards on 155 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and 298 receiving yards on 25 catches, with his two-touchdown outburst against Atlanta showcasing his dual-threat dominance. His ability to gash defenses on the ground and exploit mismatches as a receiver has transformed San Francisco’s offense, elevating a unit that ranked 20th in yards per play last season into a top-10 juggernaut.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, trade interest in McCaffrey spiked after his Week 6 heroics. The Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly offered packages including high draft picks and contracts pushing McCaffrey’s salary beyond his current $19 million annual average (through 2027). Some deals neared $22 million per year, dwarfing his existing pay. Yet, McCaffrey, in discussions with his agent and 49ers GM John Lynch, made it clear he’s focused on unfinished business: bringing a sixth Lombardi Trophy to San Francisco. “This is home,” he reportedly told teammates, per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.
McCaffrey’s loyalty stems from gratitude. After injuries derailed his 2020-2021 seasons in Carolina, the 49ers’ trade gave him a fresh start. Now 29, he’s thriving, with a 23.1% offensive snap share (per Next Gen Stats) and a league-leading 1,008 yards from scrimmage. His decision to stay isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. The 5-2 49ers, with Brock Purdy finding his stride and a defense ranked fourth in DVOA, are built for a deep playoff run. Without McCaffrey, their 112.3 rushing yards per game could falter, especially against stout NFC West fronts like the Rams.
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This move evokes legends like Jerry Rice, who stayed loyal to San Francisco through thick and thin. Fans and analysts are buzzing, with social media posts on X calling McCaffrey “a 49er for life.” Rivals feel the sting: the Cowboys, stuck with a 28th-ranked run game, and the Bills, craving a backfield spark, must look elsewhere. As the November 4 deadline approaches, Lynch is reportedly shifting focus to bolstering the defensive line, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, confident in McCaffrey’s commitment.
McCaffrey’s choice is a bold statement in an era of player empowerment and contract holdouts. By rejecting millions, he’s betting on legacy—and a Super Bowl ring. With Levi’s Stadium roaring and the 49ers surging, that bet might just pay off.
