The “Due Diligence Duo” Finally Gets Their Man And Are Officially All In For 2022
The 49ers stunned the NFL world by acquiring superstar Christian McCaffrey last Thursday night. How is this the biggest trade in the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era? How did the Rams help the 49ers make this trade?
The San Francisco 49ers on Thursday executed the most significant trade of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era this week. The 49ers acquired two-time all-pro running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers for four draft picks.
The 49ers sent their 2023 second, third, and fourth-round picks, along with a 2025 fourth-round selection for the game-breaking offensive performer.
Projected to have nine picks in the 2023 draft, the team used a good amount of their draft capital to pick up an elite difference-making running back. Adding him to the likes of all-pro Deebo Samuel, all-pro George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Elijah Mitchell when he is back from injury, the offense has the chance to be one of the best in the league. The offense was looking for a spark and the hope is this move would be just that to energize a struggling side of the ball.
Generally, the 49ers use the draft and free agency to add to its roster. Although, under this regime, the Niners look to make big moves. Their names always seem to be in the mix whenever a big-name player is on the trade market to be had.
However, even though they are always in the mix, they seemingly never get the big name.
Until now.
49ers: The John Lynch Era
It is time for John Lynch to get the respect he deserves. Lynch is a fantastic general manager. Hired in 2017, Lynch was a first-time general manager taking over a downtrodden organization. The 49ers bottomed out in 2016 going 2-14 and fired general manager Trent Baalke. The organization wanted to find someone who could communicate, develop an organizational philosophy and have better overall professional relationships.
After an extensive search, the 49ers hired FOX NFL commentator John Lynch to fill that void.
49ers are giving John Lynch an almost unprecedented six-year deal to become their GM, per sources. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2017
Six years later, John Lynch has developed a roster full of all-pros and pro bowlers. Under his tenure, the 49ers have hit on multiple late-round picks, found key undrafted contributors, and brought San Francisco respectability and a vision that was missing. It has not always been great, but overall Lynch has been the orchestrator of a team that won an NFC West division title, brought the team to a super bowl, and two trips to the conference championship game in the last three years.
Now, he has traded for the biggest name on the trade market in 2022.
49ers: Why This Is The Biggest Trade In The Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch Era
The brain trust is not afraid to make moves. Back in 2019, the 49ers acquired pass rusher Dee Ford from the Kansas City Chiefs to bolster a mediocre pass rush. In 2020, they acquired Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles in the game from the Washington Commanders for mid-round selections. Then, in 2021, they traded three first-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up to the third overall pick of the draft to select quarterback, Trey Lance.
However, none of them are as big as this.
Stunner: Panthers are trading Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources tell ESPN. McCaffrey returns to the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford. pic.twitter.com/R474r3eSkv — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022
McCaffrey is the first “big name” the 49ers have acquired via trade in the Shanahan and Lynch era. True football fans know the names, Trent Williams and Dee Ford. However, casual football fans might not know who those players are. Christian McCaffrey is different. Everyone knows who he is. When healthy, he is the biggest offensive difference-maker in the league.
The 49ers now have the best pass catching RB in the league in Christian McCaffrey and the best ball carrying WR in the league in Deebo Samuel. This offense is going to be so fun to watch. — Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 21, 2022
Throughout NFL history, there have only been three players to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in one season Roger Craig, Marshall Faulk, and Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey, so far this season, has 393 yards rushing (4.6 yards per carry) and 33 catches for 277 yards. Most importantly, he’s been healthy all year. In the last two seasons before 2022, he played in 10 games.
If he stays healthy, San Francisco has the best running back in the league.
How did the Rams Play A Factor In This Trade?
Down in Southern California, the Los Angeles Rams are the reigning super bowl champions. Hired the same year, Sean McVay and the Rams have had more success than the Niners. With numerous super bowl appearances and division championships, the Rams operate differently than their rivals up north.
The Rams give out draft picks like its candy and in turn, add superstar-level players to their roster consistently. Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller, and Matthew Stafford are the three big names they have acquired by trade.
Although Shanahan and Lynch won’t admit it, I believe the rams consistently trading for star players forced the 49ers’ hand. San Francisco could not let McCaffrey get to Los Angeles and lose out on another superstar player.
Source: Christian McCaffrey chose to play for San Francisco over LA. #Rams offered the #Panthers a trade package (two 2023 picks & two 2024 picks) similar to the #49ers. Carolina wanted to do right by @CMC_22 & being close to Stanford and playing for SF was his preference. #NFL pic.twitter.com/u4rE4iCsoq — 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) October 22, 2022
Both teams were highly interested in trading for the all-pro running back. Shanahan and Lynch realized this and decided to make a move that not only shocked the fanbase but the sports world.
What Does This All Mean?
However, this move signifies the organization being all in for winning the Super Bowl this season. Once this team gets all healthy, San Francisco has a top 5 roster and should be considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
The “Due Diligence Duo” has been criticized by the fan base for not getting the star player they were interested in acquiring. No longer the case, the 49ers got the star the fanbase was hoping for. It is a new era in San Francisco. If this trade helps lead the franchise to its sixth Lombardi trophy this season, the trade was an all-time win.
Shoutout to Due Diligence 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Pj8tK73i3V — OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 21, 2022
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are done playing around.