SF 49ers: Why it’s best for Jerick McKinnon to move on

As if the SF 49ers needed more drama this offseason, running back Jerick McKinnon announced on Instagram Live with wide receiver and teammate Deebo Samuel, he won’t be back with the team.

McKinnon’s exact comments, when prompted to answer whether or not he’d return, were “F–k no. On to the next city!”

In all honesty, this isn’t a major loss to San Francisco. He actually made general manager John Lynch’s decision much easier with his comment.

Back in 2018, McKinnon signed a four-year deal worth $30 million and then had it restructured because of limited playing time due to injuries after suffering an ACL tear before Week 1 that year.

During his tenure with the team, he played in one season which was 2020. He started four games and was fairly unproductive in the chances he was given. In total, he amassed 319 rushing yards, 253 receiving yards, and a total of six touchdowns.

Sounds like some solid numbers. But for a guy who was trying to prove himself after numerous setbacks, he certainly didn’t move up the depth chart.

The SF 49ers won’t necessarily miss McKinnon. They already have some great depth in Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert, and JaMycal Hasty. Between the three of them, they totaled over 1,200 yards with Wilson profiting the most at 600.

Many fans wanted to see McKinnon succeed. When the SF 49ers signed him, there were some high expectations he could become a star under head coach Kyle Shanahan. But just like the chatter with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, if you can’t stay healthy, it’s time to move on.

McKinnon is clearly ready to do as such. And so are the fans.

On the positive side for McKinnon, he can head to a team that’s willing to give him another chance. With now-head coach Robert Saleh moving to the NY Jets and their running back, Frank Gore, undecided about continuing his career, there’s a chance “Jet” flies out east for a fresh start.

One of the highlights of McKinnon’s short SF 49ers career was scoring his first touchdown in nearly 1,000 days when he caught a Garoppolo pass against the Arizona Cardinals:

It was a feel-good moment for McKinnon, the team, and fans.

But it seems the love affair is over and it’s time to cut ties.

The SF 49ers scouts, Lynch, and Shanahan are wizards at finding talent out of nowhere. So if they don’t take a running back in the 2021 NFL Draft, you can almost guarantee they’ll sign an unknown and make him a star.

As for McKinnon, it’s best he moves on.