This emergency 49ers-Saints trade proposal would offer valuable Christian McCaffrey insurance

San Francisco 49ers fans collectively held their breath on Sunday afternoon as Christian McCaffery exited their matinee game against the Atlanta Falcons with an apparent thigh injury. He went to the blue tent in the second quarter, then jogged to the locker room, deemed questionable to return.

Given McCaffrey's extensive injury history, the Niners need not leave this up to fate. Hopefully CMC is over this quickly, but it never hurts to have a strong contingency plan. The Niners' current backup is 25-year-old rookie Kaelon Black, who's averaging a modest 3.8 yards per carry; he has 178 scrimmage yards on 47 touches through six appearances. Black and third-stringer Jordan James both fumbled in quick succession after CMC's departure, so San Francisco may want to consider a trade to improve their depth.

This 49ers-Saints trade lands Alvin Kamara in San Francisco

Alvin Kamara has aged out of workhorse status for the New Orleans Saints; he's 31 years old and he just can't evade defenders between the tackles like he used to. That said, Kamara's pedigree and versatility ought to appeal to Kyle Shanahan, especially if McCaffrey is forced to miss time — either now or later in the campaign.

Kamara made his bones as one of the most dominant pass-catching running backs of a generation. He can line up wide, run sharp routes and contribute in third-down situations, even when McCaffrey is healthy. The Niners' wideout corps is in shambles, so Shanahan has leaned on CMC as both a runner and a receiver. Knowing McCaffrey's track record, bringing in a talented, proven running back to spell him is smart.

This trade should ultimately benefit all parties. For the Niners, it's a hedge against McCaffrey. But it's also a tremendous opportunity for Kamara to upgrade his offensive environment and perhaps generate more bang for his buck. He wouldn't get as many touches in San Francisco (unless McCaffrey is hurt), but that should improve his efficiency on a per-play basis.

As for the Saints, it's a chance to hand the running back room over to the next generation. Kendre Miller has struggled this season, but the 24-year-old would surely relish a chance to show his stuff in a more serious role. Plus, once Travis Etienne Jr. gets back from the IR, he would eat into Kamara's touches anyway.

If the Saints can get even a half-decent Day 3 pick out of Kamara's expiring contract and diminishing status, that's good business for a team rapidly tumbling toward the bottom of the standings (again). Whatever faint underdog belief existed for this Saints team coming into the season has vanished. Tyler Shough is talented and Kellen Moore's bona fides are solid, but New Orleans clearly just lacks the talent and consistent execution to contend — even in the woefully inept NFC South.

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