Christian McCaffrey’s performance justifies the 49ers’ significant acquisition of him.

California’s Santa Clara (AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan needed some persuasion before determining it was worthwhile to send a ton of draft picks for Christian McCaffrey prior to last season’s trade deadline, according to San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York’s account.

After realizing that most NFL clubs undervalue running backs, the Niners concluded that they had to pay four draft picks to get McCaffrey from Carolina in order to field a team capable of contending for a title.

The 49ers went from having a strong offensive to possibly having the most effective in the NFL as a result of that decision, which is a significant part of the reason San Francisco is getting ready to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

York stated, “That’s the moment to push your chips in the middle.” That seems to be where Christian and I were. Yes, we did give a lot up. However, I believe that one of the top players in the National Football League, if not the best player overall, is on our squad.

After leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,023), tying for the lead in touchdowns (21) and producing the most first downs (114) throughout the regular season, McCaffrey has shown that he is as valuable as anyone on the 49ers.

In addition to earning McCaffrey a unanimous selection as an All-Pro running back, this achievement placed him in the hunt for this week’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year accolades.

In two playoff victories, he has added four more touchdowns and 260 yards from scrimmage.

Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy said, “He’s the reason our pass game, play-action throw, and all that kind of stuff opened up because he sort of sets the standard with the run game and then when we do pass the ball, he’s there in our play.”

“He can go up against linebackers and safeties and make them miss and stuff in the pass game. He can catch the ball and make guys miss.” He then scores touchdowns after that. His stats are crazy. So, he’s definitely a valued player and I think the most valued player.”

Few backs are as adaptable as McCaffrey. Outside or indoors, he can run. He is quite good at running throw patterns out of the backfield and blitzing defenses. Alternatively, he may line up wide or in the slot and run multiple receiver pass patterns.