49ers' blockbuster trade for Christian McCaffrey increases Super Bowl odds

Several people took to Twitter to express shock that San Francisco would trade so many future picks for a running back, ignoring the fact McCaffrey's ability as a receiver makes him much more than that. Defenses are going to have to formulate schemes to defend him, as well as wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle. Good luck with that.

That's not to say there isn't some significant risk involved in the move. Giving up so much when there's a juggernaut in Buffalo that doesn't appear to be stopping for anyone is certainly a choice, but on the other hand, if the 49ers were to waste an elite defense with inconsistent offensive production, the backlash directed at Lynch and Shanahan would be swift. 

That is still a viable concern even with the trade. As many games as Jimmy Garoppolo has won for the team, relying on his and McCaffrey's health to sustain the offense is a gamble in and of itself. Garoppolo has missed 24 games due to injury since 2018, while McCaffrey missed 23 games from 2020-21. When the defense is first in the league in yards allowed (255.8) and second in points allowed (14.8), however, it makes the decision to pursue a championship at all costs an easier one to make.

San Francisco is currently 3-3 and tied for first in the NFC West. With no one separating themselves in the division, Lynch weighed the odds and determined that trading for McCaffrey gave his team a better shot to compete for a division and league championship. It's an aggressive move that, if it pays off the way the team expects, will lead to a championship parade and not a draft-day funeral.

No one's ever hit a home run without swinging first.