RB Christian McCaffrey Files Petition with 49ers Board of Directors After Eagles Help Saquon Barkley Become Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History

March 04, 2025 – The NFL offseason is off to a dramatic start, with tensions rising among the league’s elite running backs. In a surprising turn of events, San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey has reportedly filed a formal petition with the team’s board of directors, seeking a contract adjustment following the Philadelphia Eagles’ blockbuster extension of Saquon Barkley. The new deal, announced earlier today, makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in NFL history, surpassing McCaffrey’s previous benchmark and sparking a ripple effect across the league.

Barkley’s Historic Deal Shakes Up the Market

The Eagles confirmed Tuesday that they’ve signed Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million extension, with $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million in additional incentives. The contract, which kicks in after just one season of his initial three-year, $37.75 million deal signed in 2024, boasts an average annual value exceeding $20 million—eclipsing McCaffrey’s $19 million per year with the 49ers. Barkley’s extension comes on the heels of a historic 2024 campaign, where he rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season and added 499 playoff yards, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Barkley’s 2,504 combined rushing yards set a single-season record, earning him Offensive Player of the Year honors and cementing his status as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. “Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles organization, my team, and the amazing fans in Philly,” Barkley posted on X shortly after the deal was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The extension locks Barkley in through 2028, ensuring the 28-year-old remains the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s dominant rushing attack.

For years, running backs have fought an uphill battle for recognition in a pass-heavy NFL, with salaries lagging behind other premium positions. Barkley’s deal resets the market, proving that elite backs can still command top-tier compensation—a development that hasn’t gone unnoticed in San Francisco.

McCaffrey’s Petition: A Call for Recognition

Christian McCaffrey, widely regarded as the NFL’s premier running back before Barkley’s ascent, has held the title of the league’s highest-paid player at his position since signing a two-year, $38 million extension with the 49ers in June 2024. That deal, which runs through 2027, includes $24 million in guarantees and averages $19 million annually. However, Barkley’s new contract has shifted the landscape, and McCaffrey isn’t content to sit idly by.

According to sources close to the situation, McCaffrey submitted a petition to the 49ers’ board of directors on Tuesday afternoon, requesting a meeting to discuss his contract. While the exact details of the petition remain undisclosed, it’s believed McCaffrey is seeking either a salary bump to reclaim his spot atop the running back pay scale or additional guarantees to reflect his value to the team. The move is unprecedented—players typically negotiate through agents and front-office executives, not by appealing directly to a team’s board—but it underscores McCaffrey’s frustration at being overtaken financially.

McCaffrey’s 2024 season was marred by injury, limiting him to just eight games due to Achilles tendinitis. Still, when healthy, he remained a force, posting 723 rushing yards and 356 receiving yards with 10 total touchdowns. His 2023 season—where he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns—earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors and a third-place finish in MVP voting, proving his worth to a 49ers offense that struggled without him this past year.

A Rivalry Rekindled?

The timing of McCaffrey’s petition suggests a direct response to Barkley’s deal, reigniting a subtle rivalry between two of the NFC’s top running backs. Both players have drawn comparisons since entering the league—McCaffrey as the versatile, do-it-all back from Stanford, and Barkley as the explosive, big-play threat from Penn State. Their paths diverged when Barkley joined the Eagles in 2024, leaving the New York Giants, while McCaffrey continued to anchor San Francisco’s attack. Now, their competition has spilled over into the financial realm.

Analysts see McCaffrey’s move as a calculated push to keep pace. “Christian’s been the gold standard for running backs, both on the field and in the paycheck department,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Seeing Barkley leapfrog him after one monster year in Philly has to sting. This petition is his way of saying, ‘I’m still here, and I’m still elite.’”

The 49ers, however, face a tricky situation. With quarterback Brock Purdy’s extension looming and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also in line for a new deal, cap space is at a premium. McCaffrey’s current contract already makes him the team’s second-highest-paid player behind Deebo Samuel, and any adjustment could strain their financial flexibility.

What’s Next for the Running Back Renaissance?

Barkley’s extension and McCaffrey’s petition signal a potential turning point for the running back position. After years of devaluation, where teams hesitated to invest heavily in backs due to injury risks and shorter career spans, these developments suggest a resurgence. Barkley’s success behind Philadelphia’s elite offensive line and McCaffrey’s transformative impact in San Francisco have shown that game-changing backs can still justify big money.

For now, all eyes are on the 49ers’ response. Will they grant McCaffrey’s request, setting off a chain reaction among other top backs like Jonathan Taylor or Alvin Kamara? Or will they hold firm, forcing McCaffrey to wait out his current deal? Meanwhile, Barkley and the Eagles can bask in their triumph—both on the field and in the bank.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, this saga promises to keep fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. One thing’s certain: the running back revolution is far from over.