Christian McCaffrey’s mysterious “tightness” has kept him off the San Francisco 49ers practice field for more than a week.
Now, one NFL insider is wondering whether the issue might involve more than health.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported Monday that McCaffrey’s reduced practice workload could amount to a “hold-in” as he seeks an adjustment to his contract. The 30-year-old is scheduled to receive $12.5 million in cash in 2026, money that is not guaranteed.
“There’s speculation in league circles that McCaffrey has tapped the brakes on his practice time in an effort to get an adjustment to his contract,” Florio wrote.
That theory remains just that.
A theory.
The 49ers have maintained that McCaffrey is dealing with tightness, and Kyle Shanahan has said the team is being especially cautious because it does not want its star running back turning a relatively minor issue into something that costs him regular-season games. Interestingly, the team has not revealed which part of his body is experiencing the tightness.
But the timing has also raised eyebrows.
The Atlanta Falcons recently rewarded Bijan Robinson with a three-year extension worth up to $75 million, including $51 million guaranteed. Detroit then gave Jahmyr Gibbs a three-year, $67.5 million extension with $51.5 million guaranteed, pushing the new-money average to $22.5 million annually.
McCaffrey’s current deal averages $19 million in new money. The 49ers star running back signed the two-year, $38 million extension in 2024 and remains under contract through 2027.
The production gives him an argument for another conversation.
McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches in 2025, finishing with 1,202 rushing yards, 102 catches, 924 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns. His 2,126 yards from scrimmage were the second-most in franchise history.
He was not simply part of the offense. He was the engine of it.
Florio also pointed to Chris Simms saying there was already a belief last year that McCaffrey wanted a contract “sweetener,” something San Francisco never ultimately provided.
If that desire still exists, the sudden surge in running back salaries would only strengthen his case.
There is also little incentive for McCaffrey to push himself in August. After the injury issues that wrecked his 2024 season, San Francisco has every reason to protect him, while McCaffrey has every reason to avoid unnecessary risk before Week 1. He also carried the heaviest workload in football last season.
That makes the situation difficult to decipher.
The “tightness” could be exactly what the 49ers say it is.
Or, as Florio suggested, it could be an especially convenient time for McCaffrey to remind San Francisco just how valuable he is.
