NFL free agency update: 49ers to sign RB Jerick McKinnon, per report
By Chris Wilson
According to reports from ESPN, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to sign running back Jerick McKinnon to a four-year deal, shoring up the Niners’ offensive backfield after the exit of RB Carlos Hyde.
After missing out on free-agent running back Dion Lewis, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to sign another dual-threat running back, Jerick McKinnon. Early on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers will sign the 25-year-old RB — formerly of the Minnesota Vikings — to a four-year deal worth up to $30 million.
In 2017, McKinnon shared the Vikings’ backfield with fellow running back Latavius Murray, after rookie running back Dalvin Cook was lost for the year after sustaining an early-season ACL injury. McKinnon finished the season with 991 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns.
With running back Carlos Hyde reportedly heading to the Cleveland Browns, McKinnon will join a young group of running backs including second-year players Matt Brieda and Joe Williams, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve.
San Francisco 49ers
In 2017, Pro Football Focus ranked McKinnon as the 8th best running back in the NFL, with an 84.6 overall grade, including a 82.4 receiving grade.
Contract Details
Adam Schefter reported that McKinnon’s four-year deal will be worth an average of $7.5 million per year, calling it “one of the most surprising deals of free agency.”
However, deals brokered by 49ers chief negotiator Paraag Marathe — notorious for his team-friendly contracts — are never as simple as early reports indicate. It would be prudent to wait for the final numbers to be reported, as incentives will likely play a part in McKinnon’s contract.
National Reaction
One of the most surprising deals of free agency will be Jerrick McKinnon's with the 49ers: It is expected to be a four-year deal worth $30 million -- an average of $7.5 million per year, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
The reported Jerrick McKinnon contract numbers show there were multiple suitors. This one had more than just two. You pay what the market demands and SF will get the all-purpose RB they targeted for Kyle Shanahan's offense. @nflnetwork @GMFB @NFL
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 14, 2018
Grade
After missing out on the top dual-threat running back free agency had to offer, the San Francisco 49ers were successful in signing the next-best free agent on the market. Jerick McKinnon is the pass-catching piece that head coach Kyle Shanahan needs for his offensive system — and one the 49ers’ backfield lacked in 2017.
The uncertainty surrounding McKinnons’ contract numbers is the lone factor that lowers this grade.
Next: 49ers free agency preview and analysis
Grade: A-