McCaffrey raves about new teammate Mike Evans, calling him a "first-ballot Hall of Famer" and the "perfect fit" for the 49ers offense.
The San Francisco 49ers have two of the biggest stars at their given positions in running back Christian McCaffrey and new wide receiver Mike Evans. It appears game recognizes game if McCaffrey's words are taken at face value.
McCaffrey was asked by Ian Rappoport of NFL Network what his thoughts were on the Niners' decision to add Evans through free agency. The San Francisco running back made his opinion known on the top pass catcher becoming a member of his team.
"I was so fired up, man. I think he's somebody that if you're a fan of football, you've watched his entire career and it's hard not to like the guy. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He's somebody that, in my opinion, has never gotten enough credit. I think he plays that way; he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He's one of the best go ball runners in the history of the NFL. He blocks his butt off, he's mean and he's the perfect fit for our offense.
To have a guy like that who's experienced the NFL at every level is super exciting, so we're so fired up to have him."
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesIn San Francisco, McCaffrey has shouldered a heavy load in his short time with the team. Some of those heavy seasons have ended prematurely due to injury. While no player would openly say they would like to get the football less. It's fair to assume they would prefer taking three carries for 50 yards and a score than having to carry the ball 12 or 13 times for the same production. Adding Evans increases the likelihood that McCaffrey's carries will be more explosive.
McCaffrey is not concerned with how Evans improves his totals. The Niners' running back is excited about how Evans improves the offensive as a whole. The former Buccaneers wide receiver adds a grit and toughness that McCaffrey respects. It makes Evans a good fit for the team.
The 49ers have been in search of a Super Bowl since the 1994 season. And while the team has had several talented and productive receivers take the field, one would be hard pressed to find a harder working player with star caliber than Evans. McCaffrey notes that the effort Evans brings is what makes the signing so exciting.
The San Francisco duo will look to elevate the Niners to the next level when the season starts in September.