The San Francisco 49ers are in the middle of a cost-cutting spree. They have already lost eight players, and while fans are hoping some of their favorites stay, a Super Bowl champion believes the 49ers should continue their roster overhaul and trade another star.
Ryan Clark appeared on “Get Up” on Wednesday and shifted attention to 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey, which likely drew mixed reactions from viewers.
Ryan Clark Wants the 49ers to Let Go of Their Offensive Star
“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey, and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him,” Clark said.
“When you look at what Kyle Shanahan has been able to do, it’s run the football. And I know we thought last year that they missed some of the things with the versatility of Christian McCaffrey. But when you trade Juszczyk, you let some of that versatility go, you let some of the things you can do formationally go.”
"I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey. … If you're going to rebuild, rebuild completely." 👀
—@Realrclark25 on the 49ers' offseason outlook pic.twitter.com/Zu3vZaEMrY
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 12, 2025
The 49ers have already parted ways with Deebo Samuel Sr., Kyle Juszczyk, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks, Talanoa Hufanga, Jaylon Moore, and Elijah Mitchell. According to Clark, those moves justify trading McCaffrey as well.
“So, why not change your entire philosophy from thinking about Christian McCaffrey as this Swiss army knife? Get pieces for him and allow guys like Ricky Pearsall to touch the football more—running the football and making plays on quick screens. Add other players based on the assets you could get for him. Also, understand that you’re looking for more available players than Christian McCaffrey was last year,” Clark added.
McCaffrey was selected No. 8 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, he was traded to the 49ers in 2022. He signed a two-year, $38 million extension before the 2024 season, which included $24 million in guarantees. But injuries limited his impact.
“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 said.
The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year played only four games last season before being sidelined with bilateral Achilles tendinitis. After returning, he managed four more games before suffering a PCL injury that ended his season. The 49ers finished with a disappointing 6-11 record, placing fourth in the NFC West.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether the 49ers will take Clark’s advice. Should the 49ers commit to a full rebuild after their roster shake-up?