How much hinges on Christian McCaffrey?

Kyle Madson and Chris Biderman preview the San Francisco 49ers running backs ahead of the start of training camp with one important question: how much Christian McCaffrey do they need to make the playoffs? And are there ways to limit his use in the regular season to make sure he's available come January? That talk about Isaac Guerendo in Year 2, Jordan James prognosis as a rookie, and a lot more.

Kyle and Chris take a look at the 49ers' secondary heading into the start of training camp. Can Renardo Green take a leap in Year 2? Will Deommodore Lenoir play inside or stick outside? Can Upton Stout take over nickel as a rookie? And will an injury to Malik Mustapha at safety be problematic for their depth? All those thoughts and more in the latest Candlestick Chronicles Podcast.

In their first installment of training camp previews, Kyle and Chris take a look at the 49ers' offensive line, which has largely been neglected with key resources in recent seasons. But is there a chance it could be better than perception? What about Trent Williams' health? And is Colton McKivitz due for a big pay day? They break it all down!

Kyle and Chris discuss if Kyle Shanahan is going to do different things with the 49ers offense based on an under-the-radar addition to the roster this offseason. Then they break down whether Ricky Pearsall is ready for a breakout in his second NFL season after showing signs as a rookie.

Chris is joined by ESPN 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner to talk all things 49ers, including takeaways from OTAs, if the team is benefitting from a more normal offseason, the state of the roster and resetting it, which young players have a chance to step up, and if the San Francisco can bounce back after going 6-11 in 2024.

Kyle and Chris are back to talk about the 49ers adding former Jets and Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff, Ricky Pearsall's hamstring injury and what his absence from OTAs means in the big picture, and wonder if Trent Williams is unhappy with his contract -- and if that explains his absence from the voluntary portion of the offseason program.

Kyle and Chris take a look at some of the early reported details about Brock Purdy's contract extension. Why it's not exactly a deal worth $53 million annually, why the deal could change down the road, and then they offer their thoughts on breaking news regarding the kicker situation and Fred Warner's new contract extension, which broke during the middle of the podcast.

Kyle reacts to the news that the 49ers have agreed to a five-year, $265 million contract paying him an average of $53 million per season – why it's a good thing it happened in May and didn't drag into the summer, what it means for Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch going forward, the importance of hitting on draft picks and much more.

Kyle and Chris take a look at their big takeaways from the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 schedule, including it being the easiest in the league, the lack of premier games (at least on paper), which upcoming opponents could rise from sub-.500 to contention, and a lot more. And they also talk about the best schedule release content throughout the league and new 49ers uniforms that will be announced soon.

Kyle and Chris break down the crazy idea of the NFL adopting a lottery system for the NFL draft. Why it could work, what's standing in its way, preserving parity, how it could change the offseason and a lot more.