Christian McCaffrey was sensational last season. The running back was the only constant in 2025. Yes, the running game suffered, but McCaffrey laid it all on the line all season and carried the 49ers offense. Now, is it a safe bet that McCaffrey can duplicate his 400-plus-touch season in 2026? It is far from a certainty, given how well McCaffrey made it through the season with the beating he took week in and week out. Still, McCaffrey will be back in the same role in 2026.
Last offseason, Brian Robinson,
Jr was acquired to back up McCaffrey. Either way, McCaffrey was on the field for nearly every snap and handled just about every touch in the backfield. Is that plan sustainable again in 2026?
Here are three running back options in free agency for the 49ers to use as a 1-2 punch out of the backfield (all predictions per Spotrac):
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay, Current AAV: $1,282,500, Predicted AAV: $2,968,262
Yes, Bucky Irving took over the backfield in Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers are fine with Irving and Sean Tucker leading their backfield in 2026. White had become somewhat of a forgotten man until he stepped in for Irving during his recovery from an injury. The running back filled in well and showed he still has juice, not only in the passing game. White finished with a career-high 4.3 yards per carry on 132 rushes for 572 yards and four touchdowns.
The 27-year-old added 40 receptions out of the backfield. With White on the field, Kyle Shanahan can call the same plays as if McCaffrey were on the field with a similar skill set in the receiving game.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh, Current AAV: $1,790,000, Predicted AAV: $2,961,252
Same idea for Gainwell as with White. The journeyman running back made a huge impact on the Steelers in 2025. Gainwell handled a career-high 114 rushes for 537 yards and a 4.7 yards per carry clip. It’s the 73 receptions that are valuable for the former Eagles running back. With 486 receiving yards, Gainwell went over 1,000 scrimmage yards.
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense checked the ball down quite a bit, but Gainwell was a perfect fit for Arthur Smith and Pittsburgh. Again, Shanahan can use Gainwell similarly to McCaffrey, keeping the defense off balance. He’s a player we’ve highlighted this offseason.
Jeremy McNichols, Washington, Current AAV: $1,337,500, Predicted AAV: $2,636,465
Of the pass-catching running back group available this offseason, McNichols is closer to the bottom of the group with his age over 30, but the Washington running back was very solid as a pass catcher and forced his way onto the field in 2025.
His final stat line is modest with 221 yards on 44 carries, and a touchdown for five yards per carry. With only 25 receptions, McNichols isn’t the most exciting name, but he can provide stability as a backup/change of pace guy who won’t cost much.
