NFL World Reacts to Christian McCaffrey Trade to 49ers

One of his new star teammates was among those celebrating the move on Thursday night.

Late Thursday night, the rumored Christian McCaffrey trade came to fruition. The Panthers sent the superstar running back to the 49ers in exchange for second, third and fourth-round NFL draft picks in 2023, and a fifth-round pick in 2024, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan is known for building dynamic rushing attacks, no matter which running back he has in the backfield—and he has had many players go off for huge games in his offense. Now, he has one of the most dynamic, well-rounded players in the league, albeit one with injury concerns.

Shanahan has reached a Super Bowl and another NFC championship game during his tenure in San Francisco. Once again, the 49ers are in the heart of the playoff race. Time will tell whether McCaffrey is the player to put the Niners over the top, but it has certainly rocked the football world for the time being.

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One of McCaffrey’s new 49ers teammates, George Kittle, is certainly pumped.

Let’s gooooooo @CMC_22 https://t.co/bkReZuwZdv

— George Kittle (@gkittle46) October 21, 2022

I asked #49ers TE George Kittle his reaction to the Christian McCaffrey trade. He tells me:

“What a gift for National Tight Ends Day”

— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) October 21, 2022

The Bay Area presents something of a homecoming for McCaffrey. The running back starred at Stanford during his college career, and his father Ed McCaffrey had a brief tenure with the 49ers in 1994, in between stops with the Giants and Broncos.

It just so happens that, in his first game with the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey will wear the same uniform as his dad did in his last game as a 49er — the Super Bowl.

SF wearing these throwbacks Sunday pic.twitter.com/PcUei6VGpb

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 21, 2022

Christian McCaffrey is back in Cali with the @49ers

His college tape is absurd🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/gNpFF1rSEe

— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 21, 2022

Injuries are always a concern with the McCaffrey, and the 49ers offense can be a bit up-and-down with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. If everything clicks, however, the sky’s the limit for Shanahan’s offense with this big new acquisition.

Kyle Shanahan thinking about everything he can do with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel pic.twitter.com/nBeIRtxByX

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) October 21, 2022

The 49ers have McCaffrey, Deebo, Kittle, Juszcyyk and Aiyuk. They will be the MOST VERSATILE OFFENSE IN THE NFL personnel wise. Have a running back who could be a starting slot receiver. A WR who could be a starting RB and a FB who could be a starting RB or TE. NIGHTMARE MATCHUPS

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 21, 2022

The 49ers now have the best pass catching RB in the league in Christian McCaffrey and the best ball carrying WR in the league in Deebo Samuel.

This offense is going to be so fun to watch.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 21, 2022

I’m hyped for @CMC_22 ! One of the best players and hardest workers I’ve had the opportunity to play with. Perfect system for him! https://t.co/gHCx34AAtY

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) October 21, 2022

On the year, McCaffrey has 670 total yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. If he plays for the 49ers on Sunday, it will be against the Chiefs. 

Sunday’s game in Santa Clara, Calif. kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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