49ers’ McCaffrey honored to be highest-paid NFL running back

SANTA CLARA — Christian McCaffrey's 49ers contract extension made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year does not take that lightly. McCaffrey's extension is a two-year $38 million agreement giving him a league-high running back salary of $19 million per season. This obviously is dwarfed by the top receiver salaries recorded during the offseason, but it's clear the All-Pro feels a responsibility towards his fellow ball carriers. "It means a lot," McCaffrey said on Thursday. "It definitely means a lot. I think the running back position has obviously been talked about a lot in the last few years about guys kind of being unfairly paid. I think just to continue to up the number I think is important and it's a huge honor." McCaffrey was incredibly productive in 2023, not only recording the most total touches in the league at 339, but the most yards from scrimmage at 2,023. The All-Pro's 1,459 rushing yards also was the most in the NFL. Heading into training camp with a finalized extension was important to McCaffrey who now can focus solely on preparing for the season ahead. "Really important," McCaffrey said. "Any time you can get...