Suffice it to say, it's been a tough season thus far for the San Francisco 49ers.
Predicted by most to win another NFC West crown in 2024, the 49ers have stumbled to a 2-3 start, including an 0-2 record against division rivals. The injuries have quickly mounted, particularly on offense, where superstar Christian McCaffrey has been missing all year.
Without McCaffrey, the 49ers have been surprisingly fantastic at running back. Third-year man Jordan Mason has stepped in and produced at a high level, racking up 602 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns. But Mason also isn't guaranteed to be around forever.
When McCaffrey eventually comes back, one has to assume that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year will get his spot back. That makes Mason a valuable backup to the 49ers, but less valuable than he would be to other teams as the starter.
If Mason ends up leaving, the 49ers would need to find another capable McCaffrey replacement either on the open market or in the draft.
Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department predicted that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren would sign with the 49ers in free agency this spring.
"With Christian McCaffery missing every game so far this season, San Francisco knows how important it is to have a quality backup running back," the authors said. "There's a chance (Jordan) Mason plays elsewhere next season so the front office should do its homework on the free agent running back class."
"Warren would be a good target for Kyle Shanahan in part because the current Steeler can make plays as a pass-catcher as well as tote the rock. While his numbers are down at the beginning of this season, he had nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage in 2023 while sharing the backfield with Najee Harris."
Warren, 25, showed lots of promise during the 2023 campaign, compiling 784 rushing yards, 370 receiving yards, four total touchdowns, and 5.5 yards per touch. In 2024, though, he's seen his role diminish while also dealing with lingering injury issues.
Getting out of Pittsburgh would likely be a win for Warren, given the Steelers' general inability to create an efficient ground attack the last couple of seasons. Though he wouldn't the the 49ers' planned starter, he could end up taking over that role at any point and putting up his best numbers ever.
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