The 49ers have a running back worth $62 million and a quarterback worth $1 million. However, it seems that Kyle Shanahan is obsessed with a 33-year-old receiver who recently lost his jersey number. The NFL as a whole just learnt everything they needed to know from a jersey swap somewhere in Chicago. Let’s not act as though this is normal. Keenan Allen has worn No. 13 since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth—or at least since he was cooking DBs in San Diego.

But now? Maurice Alexander in Chicago will get that famous No. 13. No courteous phone call. No goodbye emojis. There was only a silent, icy reassignment like Allen never existed. In NFL culture, that’s a breakup text in all caps, and not simply a shrug. And guess what? The rumor mill didn’t miss a beat. NFL Rumors (@nflrums) casually dropped the nuke on X: “NFL RUMORS: Keenan Allen is not expected to return to the #Bears. The #Chargers and #49ers could be possible destinations.”

Give it time to breathe. That’s six Pro Bowls, 11,274 career yards, and a quarterback reunion plot that begs for an online documentary series. The 49ers, a team with an MVP contender quarterback on a rookie contract, are pursuing the soon-to-be 33-year-old wideout like he’s the last Infinity Stone, while Bears supporters are lamenting what could have been. Because Kyle Shanahan doesn’t play fantasy football. He builds systems of domination. And in his mind, Keenan Allen fits the blueprint.

Now, let’s discuss priorities. You would expect that John Lynch & Co. would prioritise getting Brock Purdy a new deal. The guy got you your last Super Bowl appearance for less money than a barista in Silicon Valley, after all. However, no. According to the feeling in Santa Clara, “Hold that thought, Brock” because Kyle Shanahan may be pursuing the wide receiver he has always desired—the route technician, the separation king, the unwavering veteran who doesn’t require three years to master the playbook.

Let’s not forget—Allen didn’t exactly fade into obscurity in 2024. Even in a broken Bears offense, catching passes from a rookie quarterback in chaos mode, he racked up 70 receptions for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 15 games.

And the Chargers? They are pleading for his return. After signing his own contract, Mike Williams physically sent a “come home” message on social media. Featuring a photo of himself and former teammate Keenan Allen during their time with the Chargers, captioned “Run it back turbo.” Allen reposted it. Subtle? Maybe. Calculated? Absolutely. Even Jim Harbaugh, who’s more buttoned-up than a TSA line, let it slip: “It’s the business part of it. And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know—who’s got it better?” ​Translation: he wants it. But Harbaugh also knows the post-draft comp pick game. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz might be holding his chips until the draft settles. Once that compensatory deadline passes, don’t be surprised if LA backs the Brinks truck up to Allen’s front yard.

But until that happens? Kyle Shanahan’s lurking in the shadows. And let’s face it, Shanahan likes seasoned wide receivers. Emmanuel Sanders was acquired in the middle of the season and immediately opened up the offence. Additionally, Shanahan would entrust the keys to his plan to a guy like Keenan Allen. This is not an extravagance. This serves as insurance against Deebo’s tenacity and Aiyuk’s holdout.

And if that wasn’t enough noise… there’s more. Because while everyone’s focused on Keenan Allen potentially pushing Purdy’s payday down the priority list…Kyle Shanahan may have just moved on from Christian McCaffrey, too.

The McCaffrey dilemma — Kyle Shanahan drafts for durability in 2025

McCaffrey isn’t washed, you see. He is no longer even hurt. The icy reality? In 2024, McCaffrey only played in four games. That’s all. Injured to start the year. Injured to finish it. A Week 13 PCL sprain in Buffalo shut him down, and while it didn’t need surgery, it did need something far scarier—Kyle’s trust.

And Kyle doesn’t wait around. When asked about the RB, he said: “Christian is healthy. He’s doing great.” Which is football speak for: He’s still on the roster… for now. Because if you dig deeper, the 49ers aren’t just checking the RB aisle at Trader Joe’s. They’re actively scouting running backs in the 2025 Draft. Matt Maiocco even reported that the team is “looking to add” to the backfield—even while publicly claiming McCaffrey is “doing great.”

Shanahan has always used an RB-agnostic system. In it, Matt Breida had an All-Pro appearance. In an NFC championship game, Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards. Tevin Coleman got more red zone touches. The exception was Christian. The high-end vehicle in a Honda parking lot. However, luxury requires accessibility. And if that’s in question, Kyle will look elsewhere.

Could Deebo line up in the backfield more? Would Keenan Allen help offset touches with a heavier pass-first scheme? Could the 49ers go full Belichick and draft a back in the fourth round just to prove a point? Yes. Yes. And absolutely yes.

The worrying issue is that Kyle may not be bringing in a backup to replace McCaffrey. He may be substituting a change in ideology for him. More WR-powered and less RB-centric. More short game, more misdirection. Because Kyle isn’t attempting to leave a legacy in 2025. He is attempting to complete the task. And if it means putting a halt to Purdy’s contract negotiations, allowing CMC to age gracefully, and appointing Keenan Allen as the last boss of slot nightmares? So be it.

Kyle Shanahan doesn’t care about your depth chart dreams or your fantasy team projections. He’s not planning for five years from now. He’s building for February. For rings. For confetti. And if the path to the Lombardi runs through Keenan Allen’s crisp route tree…then Brock can wait. CMC can rest. Because the plan is in motion. And Kyle’s not asking for permission.