Christian McCaffrey Fires Back After $35M Deal Criticism—“I Didn’t Sign for the Money, But They Keep Putting a Price on Me”.QQ
SANTA CLARA, CA — When running back Christopher McCay agreed to a two-year, $35 million extension to stay with the San Francisco Niners, he expected a quiet reunion with the team and city that had reignited his career.
Instead, his signature launched a firestorm of headlines, hot takes, and second-guessing.
“I didn’t sign for the money,” McCay said, frustration flickering through otherwise calm eyes. “But they keep putting a price on me.”
A Homecoming Under Fire
McCay’s return should have been a victory lap.
He had been the spark of the offense, a leader in the locker room, and the heart of San Francisco’s playoff runs.
But in the age of social media and salary-cap math, no contract goes unpicked.
Analysts debated his durability, his market value, even his motives.
“I signed for what this jersey means,” he told reporters. “Not what my bank account says.”
Inside the Organization
Head coach Kyle Matson dismissed the noise.
“Chris plays every down like he’s broke,” Matson laughed. “That’s why he’s worth every penny.”
Quarterback Brock Landers added:
“He doesn’t chase numbers. He chases first downs. People forget that.”
Fans and Critics Collide
On X (formerly Twitter), the debate raged:
“$35 million for leadership? You can’t put that on a stat sheet,” one fan posted.
“He’s being paid for the highlight reels, not the hits,” another argued.
Sports talk shows ran with the story for days.
Was McCay overpaid? Or was this loyalty finally rewarded?
McCay’s Answer: Work
Instead of arguing, McCay went back to his off-season grind — weights at dawn, film study by night.
“You don’t win debates,” he said. “You win games.”
He spoke of the pressure that comes with being both role model and millionaire.
“You learn quick: people love the story until they see the paycheck. Then it’s judgment day.”
Beyond the Numbers
For McCay, the deal is about legacy, not leverage.
“Money fades,” he said. “But when my career’s done, I want them to remember the yards, the effort, the respect.”
Teammates say that attitude is what makes him indispensable.
“You can’t coach heart,” said wide receiver Deebo Jackson. “And he’s got more of it than anyone.”
A Lesson in Value
As the season approaches, McCay remains unfazed by headlines.
His goal isn’t to justify the contract — it’s to make it irrelevant.
