Christian McCaffrey Shines as Top Receiving Back with Two QBs

Dual‑Power Partnerships Highlight McCaffrey’s Versatility

Pro Football Focus placed Christian McCaffrey on its 2025 list of the NFL’s most productive quarterback‑running back duos twice—once with Mac Jones and once with Brock Purdy. Among all qualified backs (minimum 18 targets), he remains the only player in the top ten to pair with two different signal callers. This rarity underscores his ability to adjust across offensive schemes.

When Jones was the San Francisco starter, the duo posted a league‑best 0.46 EPA per play, ranking third overall. McCaffrey caught 54 of Jones’s 60 throws for 527 yards and three scores, with 404 of those yards coming after the catch. In the second half, with Purdy leading the offense, the partnership still delivered solid efficiency at 0.38 EPA per play, landing sixth in the league.

Elite Receiving Numbers Across Both Quartets

Even with two quarterbacks, McCaffrey’s receiving production stayed at a premium level. He finished the season with 102 catches for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. The Purdy connection added depth, as McCaffrey was targeted 69 times and hauled in 58 passes for 453 yards and five more scores.

These numbers place him among the league’s top receiving backs despite the ever‑changing quarterback play. His ability to maintain production regardless of who is under center has become a staple of the 49ers’ passing attack.

Rushing Struggles Offset Receiving Excellence

While the passing game thrived, McCaffrey’s rushing average slipped to 3.9 yards per attempt in 2025—the lowest mark of his full‑season career outside his rookie year in 2017. The decline highlights a shift toward a more pass‑heavy role, but it also shows the 49ers’ willingness to prioritize his pass‑catching gifts.

Even at a reduced rushing output, McCaffrey’s floor as a pass‑catcher gives San Francisco a stability rarely seen at the position. This reliability becomes especially valuable when the backfield faces injury or offensive adjustments.

49ers Bolster Receiving Depth for the Future

San Francisco added several playmakers this offseason to complement McCaffrey, signing Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle and Jake Tonges. The influx creates a dangerous triad of elite receivers and tight ends alongside the dynamic back.

The expectation is that Brock Purdy will have more weapons to spread the field, potentially easing the reliance on McCaffrey for big plays. The 49ers now possess a receiving corps that can keep defenses guessing while still giving their star back ample opportunities to exploit matchups.

What Lies Ahead for 2026

With a deeper receiving corps, the 49ers know they will receive more throws to their running back than most teams in the league. McCaffrey’s dual‑QB success and the added firepower signal a potential resurgence for San Francisco’s offense. If Purdy can stay healthy and exploit the myriad targets, the 49ers’ pass attack could become even more difficult to defend next season.

The foundation is set: a reliable pass‑catching back, a star quarterback, and a collection of playmaking receivers. Keep an eye on how quickly the pieces click as the 2026 campaign unfolds.