Pittsburgh, PA – April 12, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to reshape their offense, nearing a blockbuster trade to acquire San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 fifth, sources told ESPN Friday. With Najee Harris traded to the Chargers and Jaylen Warren’s role as a complementary back, GM Omar Khan went all-in to give his next quarterback a versatile All-Pro running back.
San Francisco, burned by McCaffrey’s injury-riddled 2024, agreed to offload his $38 million, two-year deal to ease their $48 million cap crunch. Khan, navigating a $2 million cap, restructured deals for D.K. Metcalf and Dallas Goedert to absorb McCaffrey’s $14 million 2025 hit, banking on a playoff surge.
McCaffrey’s 2024 flopped—202 yards, no rushing TDs in four games, derailed by injuries. Flash back to 2023: 1,727 rushing yards, 18 TDs, plus 716 receiving yards and 8 scores—a dual-threat beast. At 29, his 1,450 career carries spark durability concerns, but his 5.4 yards per carry roar elite.
Compare that to Warren’s 2024—665 yards, 4 TDs. Warren’s burst shines, but his pass-blocking lags, and Gainwell’s no lead dog. McCaffrey’s 2019 league-best 2,392 total yards dwarf their output, offering Pittsburgh a true RB1 Steelers fans have craved.
Steelers Nation lit up X: “McCaffrey for picks? Khan’s a genius!” Pittsburgh’s 19th-ranked run game gets a shot—McCaffrey’s 8.7 yards per catch could stretch defenses for Rodgers or a rookie like Jaxson Dart. The 49ers turn to Isaac Guerendo, chasing youth.
Khan’s gamble echoes Saquon Barkley’s Eagles splash—36 minutes of possession in Super Bowl 59. With Warren as RB2 and no Harris, McCaffrey’s versatility—67 catches in 2023—hands Pittsburgh’s QB a checkdown king Pickens’ trade rumors left missing.
The $14 million hit hurts, but Khan’s cap magic—trimming $3 million off Cam Heyward—makes it fit. McCaffrey’s health is a gamble, but his 2023 PFF grade of 92.1 tops Warren’s 88.4. Ravens and Bengals fans brace for Pittsburgh’s new weapon.
AFC North battles loom—McCaffrey could be Khan’s ace to crack Baltimore’s grip. Steelers fans, stung by Harris’ exit, now envision McCaffrey-to-Metcalf fireworks. This trade might just propel Pittsburgh past its eight-year playoff win drought.
