Analyst Ryan Clark likes the idea of trading Christian McCaffrey for draft picks
The San Francisco 49ers have a major problem on their hands. For the past three years, they had plenty of flexibility to sign players and hand out lucrative contracts to keep talent on the roster. They were able to do so since they employed a quarterback on his rookie deal and had plenty of cash to spend elsewhere.
Moreover, Purdy was not just a regular rookie QB as those selected in the first round are rewarded handsomely. No sir, Purdy was the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ of the 2022 draft class, thus saving the 49ers millions more.
Now, however, the time for San Francisco to pay Purdy is near and they have resorted to clearing their roster to make available the required funds. The 49ers have time, as they can still head into next year and franchise tag their signal caller as they try to work out a long-term deal. But, no matter when they extend him, they will need to have the finances to do so.
Thus, no matter what happens, every time a 49ers player is released or traded, it all points to the fact that Brock Purdy’s contract extension is the reason behind the rebuild. On the same lines, NFL analyst Ryan Clark came up with an interesting and perhaps controversial take on the same involving running back Christian McCaffrey.
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Ryan Clark, who is a former Super Bowl-winning safety who played for 13 seasons in the NFL, knows a thing or two about player contracts and team rebuilds. While on the topic of trading Christian McCaffrey on ESPN’s Get Up show, Clark was all for the idea of doing so in order to get draft capital for a top-quality player.
“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey, and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him. When you look at what Kyle Shanahan has been able to do, it’s run the football.”
Clark also went on to explain how the 49ers missed out on some versatility last season, but pointed out that when they released Kyle Juszczyk, their versatility has taken a hit as it is. Hence, the 49ers can now change their philosophy and look to go in another direction.
“Why not change your entire philosophy from thinking about Christian McCaffrey as this Swiss army knife, getting pieces for him and allowing guys like Ricky Pearsall to touch the football more. You are looking for more available players than Christian McCaffrey was last year. You had a good stretch with him, you took your run at the Super Bowl, you didn’t get it. If you’re going to rebuild, rebuild completely.”
Clark’s take may have caught some 49ers’ fans by surprise and some may have even been shocked. Ever since McCaffrey arrived in San Francisco, he has thrived into one of the top players at his position under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system. However, last season he missed all but 4 games due to a knee injury which greatly hampered the 49ers’ chances at getting to the postseason.
This hot take from Clark may not be a popular one, but it is worth thinking over as they continue to work on a deal with Purdy and look toward the future where they will need several young quality players at various positions.
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