If you’ve been living under a rock—or maybe just haven't checked the box scores in a few months—you might be wondering what team is Christian McCaffrey on right now. Honestly, in a league where players switch jerseys faster than most people change their Netflix passwords, it’s a fair question.
As of January 2026, Christian McCaffrey is still the star running back for the San Francisco 49ers.
He isn't just "on the team," though. He basically is the engine room of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. After a 2024 season that felt like a nightmare due to that lingering Achilles and calf drama, CMC came roaring back in 2025. He didn't just play; he reminded everyone why the Niners backed up the Brink's truck for him.
The Trade That Changed Everything
It feels like a lifetime ago, but McCaffrey arrived in Santa Clara back in October 2022. The Carolina Panthers—the team that drafted him 8th overall back in 2017—decided to hit the reset button. They sent him to San Francisco for a haul of draft picks. At the time, critics wondered if giving up a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-round pick for a running back was crazy.
Looking back? It was a steal.
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Since joining the 49ers, he has transformed from a "great player on a bad team" to the most dangerous weapon in the NFL. He’s the guy who makes Brock Purdy's life a whole lot easier. You’ve probably seen the highlights—him catching a pass in the flat, making three guys miss, and somehow finding the pylon. It’s a weekly occurrence.
What Team is Christian McCaffrey on in the 2025-26 Playoffs?
Right now, the stakes couldn't be higher. We are currently in the thick of the 2026 NFL postseason. If you missed the Wild Card round, McCaffrey was the hero (again). He put up two massive touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles to secure a 23-19 win.
One of those scores was a total "Shanahan special"—a trick play where Jauan Jennings actually threw the ball to McCaffrey. It was wild.
Here is a quick look at how his 2025 regular season shook out:
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- Total Rushing Yards: 1,202
- Total Receiving Yards: 924
- Total Touchdowns: 17
- Games Played: 17 (Yes, he played every single one!)
He came so close to another 1,000/1,000 season. He missed the receiving mark by just 76 yards. Talk about a heartbreaker for the stat nerds. Still, he led the league in targets for running backs, which tells you everything you need to know about his role.
Contract Status: Is He Staying Put?
Whenever someone asks "what team is Christian McCaffrey on," the next question is usually "for how much longer?"
In June 2024, the 49ers locked him down with a two-year extension. That deal keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. He’s making an average of $19 million a year, which is huge for a running back hitting his late 20s.
But McCaffrey isn't your average 29-year-old back. While most guys at his age start to lose their burst, CMC has actually evolved. His 2025 season saw him take 311 carries—a career high. Even though his yards-per-carry dipped a little to 3.9, his impact in the passing game is what keeps him elite. He’s essentially a top-tier slot receiver who happens to be able to run between the tackles.
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The Bart Starr Award and Beyond
It's not just about the yards, either. Just this week (Jan 16, 2026), McCaffrey was named the winner of the 2026 Bart Starr Award. It’s a big deal because it’s voted on by his peers. It honors his character and what he does off the field with his foundation. He’s become the face of the 49ers franchise alongside Purdy and Kittle.
What’s Next for CMC?
The 49ers are currently prepping for a massive Divisional Round rematch against the Seattle Seahawks. This has become the rivalry of the year in the NFC West. Seattle beat the Niners in the regular-season finale, and they’ve been the one defense that has actually figured out how to bottle McCaffrey up.
If the 49ers want to get back to the Super Bowl, McCaffrey is going to have to carry the load. With George Kittle currently dealing with an Achilles injury, expect CMC to see even more targets than usual.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you’re a fantasy manager or just a die-hard fan, keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to the Seattle game. While McCaffrey stayed healthy all season, the 49ers’ heavy reliance on him (311 carries!) means fatigue is the only real enemy. Watch for Jordan Mason to potentially take some of the "dirty work" carries to keep McCaffrey fresh for the fourth quarter.
The 49ers' championship window is wide open, and as long as #23 is in the backfield, they are the team to beat.