49ers' Kyle Shanahan hopes to reduce Christian McCaffrey's workload next season

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Three-time Pro Bowler Christian McCaffrey is the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. The San Francisco 49ers have relied on the star running back since the team acquired him in a trade in 2022.

His 339 touches led the NFL last season, but McCaffrey is no stranger to handling the physical toll that comes with being a high-usage player. He has averaged at least 19.4 touches per game over the past six seasons. 

But the Madden 2024 cover athlete could see a lighter workload in 2024.

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, of the San Francisco 49ers, interacts with Christian McCaffrey prior to the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

McCaffrey celebrated his 28th birthday last month. During that same month, the Niners rewarded him with a contract extension that would keep him with the franchise through the 2027 season.

Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers' head coach, acknowledged McCaffrey's importance to the team and noted that protecting the league's highest-paid running back next season will be a priority.

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"We have guys that can run the ball," Shanahan said. "We have to protect Christian from himself. He doesn't like to ever come out, no matter what the situation is. And I do think that's something we could protect him with more."

Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs