Niner Noise
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49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Jerick McKinnon

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players looks at the team’s prized free-agent pickup, running back Jerick McKinnon, and his likely impact on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense this season.

Yes, the San Francisco 49ers spent a lot of money on a free-agent running back, Jerick McKinnon, this offseason.

The 26-year-old McKinnon ended up commanding a four-year, $30 million contract from the Niners heading into 2018 after spending his first four seasons at the pro level with the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite the lofty contract, the deal is entirely front-loaded. San Francisco can get out from under it in 2019 should McKinnon not deliver to expected levels:

Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t looking for this to be the case, though. McKinnon was brought aboard to take over starting duties after the Niners’ starting tailback last year, Carlos Hyde, left via free agency.

And McKinnon is a much better fit in Shanahan’s system anyway.

Despite never having more than 570 rush yards in a season or being a featured back at the NFL level, McKinnon’s abilities should help make the 49ers offense all the more potent.

Let’s break down why.