The San Francisco 49ers went their separate way from running back Carlos Hyde, and replaced him in free agency with Jerick McKinnon. Although McKinnon was never the Vikings’ consistent lead back, the 49ers are paying him $11.7 million in guaranteed money for 2018. His deal provides the team outs, but they are paying him like a lead back.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer both commented on McKinnon’s ability to be a lead back. Zimmer told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin McKinnon is worth the money.