Jerick McKinnon

No matter how you feel about McKinnon's talent, the 49ers have told you everything you need to know when they paid him $30 million over four years. You should know that the 49ers could get out of the contract after one year with just a $1.5 million cap hit in 2019, but that's not why you sign someone like him. They also passed on a lot of running backs in the draft, showing confidence in the guys on the roster. He's never been great on first- and second-down, but unless you believe Matt Breida or Joe Williams is going to walk into 15 carries per game, you need to rank McKinnon aggressively. He figures to be the Devonta Freeman of Kyle Shanahan's offense, which we know is extremely valuable.

Jerick McKinnon expected to sign with 49ers

Running back Jerick McKinnon is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $30 million with the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Twitter.

Fantasy Impact

McKinnon had a solid year for the Minnesota Vikings after rookie Dalvin Cook was lost for the season with a torn ACL, rushing for 570 yards and three touchdowns while catching 51 passes for 421 yards and two more touchdowns while splitting time with Latavius Murray. The 49ers were looking for a more well-rounded running back who can catch passes out of the backfield after letting Carlos Hyde walk in free agency, and McKinnon fits that mold. With Jimmy Garopollo at the helm of head coach Kyle Shanahan's new-look offense in San Francisco, expect McKinnon to catch plenty more passes next season.