The San Francisco 49ers are taking no chances when it comes to their running back depth in 2026. Just days after selecting James Madison running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team has added another veteran presence to the room by signing former Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants running back Sincere McCormick.
The signing was confirmed Tuesday morning, April 28, marking the latest move in a busy offseason for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. While the 49ers have long been known for their running back-friendly system and willingness to churn through backs, this addition signals that the team is looking to build a deep, competitive backfield heading into the season.
McCormick, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of UTSA in 2022, has carved out a niche as a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles runner with reliable hands out of the backfield. Over parts of four seasons with the Raiders and Giants, he has appeared in 23 games, rushing for 487 yards and three touchdowns while adding 41 receptions for 289 yards and a score. His best stretch came in 2024 with Las Vegas, where he averaged 4.5 yards per carry over a six-game span before a nagging ankle injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
The Giants claimed him off waivers ahead of the 2025 season, but he saw a reduced role in New York's committee backfield, finishing with just 89 rushing yards on 28 carries. Now, he gets a fresh start in Santa Clara, and the fit could prove to be a productive one.
Shanahan's offense has a well-documented history of elevating running backs to new heights. From the legendary years with the late Christian McCaffrey to the emergence of undrafted finds like Jordan Mason and mid-round picks like Elijah Mitchell, the 49ers have consistently shown that the system is the star. McCormick will have the opportunity to learn behind a depth chart that currently features lead back Kyle Juszczyk (a fullback by trade but a key pass-catching weapon), third-round rookie Black, and holdovers from last season's practice squad.
What does McCormick bring specifically? First and foremost, vision. He runs with patience, letting his blocks develop before hitting the hole with suddenness. His ability to read second-level linebackers and make subtle cuts fits the zone-running principles that Shanahan preaches. Additionally, McCormick has improved significantly as a pass protector over his career -- a non-negotiable trait for any back hoping to see the field on third down in this offense.
The timing of the signing is also notable. Coming just days after the 49ers invested a premium pick in Black, it suggests that the team is not entirely comfortable with the depth behind their primary options. Black, while talented, is a rookie who will need time to adjust to NFL pass protection and the speed of the pro game. McCormick, despite not being a household name, is a known commodity who can step in immediately and handle a 10-to-15 snap workload without a drop-off.
"You can never have enough running backs in this league. It's the most physically demanding position outside of quarterback," one NFL front office source told Niners Wire. "The 49ers know that better than anyone after what they went through a few years ago with injuries. Signing a guy like McCormick is insurance, but also competition. That room will be a fight for roster spots."
The 49ers backfield currently projects as something of a committee approach in 2026. Without a true every-down bell cow on the roster, the team appears ready to rotate backs based on situation and hot hand. McCormick profiles as a complementary piece -- someone who can spell the starter on early downs and contribute on special teams if needed.
For McCormick, this is a critical opportunity. At 26 years old and with a limited but solid NFL resume, he is still young enough to carve out a multi-year role. The 49ers have a track record of giving second chances to running backs who fit their scheme, and McCormick's skill set aligns well with what the coaching staff looks for in a zone runner.
It also helps that McCormick has familiarity with the Raiders, who share a similar offensive lineage through the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree. The terminology and concepts won't be entirely foreign to him, which should accelerate his learning curve as he competes for a roster spot this summer.
The signing also raises questions about the future of some of the younger backs on the roster. Undrafted free agents and practice squad holdovers from the past two seasons will now face stiffer competition for one of the final spots in the backfield. McCormick's signing essentially serves as a vote of confidence in veteran experience over developmental upside at the bottom of the depth chart.
From a salary cap perspective, this is a low-risk move. McCormick signed a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum with a small signing bonus, sources confirmed. The 49ers maintain excellent financial flexibility, and this signing does not impact their ability to make additional moves before training camp.
The 49ers have navigated the draft and free agency with clear intent: shore up the offensive line, add speed at wide receiver, and reinforce the running back room. The Black selection was about long-term upside and a runner who can do a bit of everything. The McCormick signing is about immediate, proven depth and competition. Together, they give the 49ers a more robust running back group than they had at the start of the month.
As organized team activities approach, all eyes will be on how this backfield shakes out. Can McCormick push for the No. 2 role? Will Black flash enough to earn early-down work? Can the running game return to the elite form that once defined the Shanahan era in San Francisco?
Those questions will be answered over the summer. For now, the 49ers have added another weapon to their arsenal -- and in a league where running back depth can make or break a playoff run, they've made a smart, under-the-radar addition.
Sincere McCormick might not be the splashiest name on the transaction wire, but in the 49ers' system, he could be exactly the kind of reliable depth piece that helps the team navigate the grind of a 17-game season.